Otumfuo calls for non-partisan debate on funding higher education

Kumasi, June 20, GNA - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Monday reiterated the call for a non-partisan debate on the funding of higher education.

Speaking at the opening of the 45th congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he said public universities are at the cross-roads and there is the need to put in place a mechanism for sustainable funding.

"The time is opportune for us as a nation to begin the process of dialogue, of assembling together in a non-partisan, open-minded and all-hands-on-deck mood and moments to critically address the issue of mechanisms for a sustainable funding of higher education", Otumfuo Osei Tutu said

The weeklong congregation would coincide with the launch of the 60th anniversary celebration of the university on Saturday June 25. Some 775 students from the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Architecture and Planning were the first to receive their certificates.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who is the Chancellor of the University, said in order to ensure quality teaching and learning, maintain institutional recognition and acceptance of degrees of graduates as well as accreditation, the University was continually exploring greater lengths to ensure access and quality standards of education and training for students.

He said the students had been endowed with the requisite education and training to enable them to contribute to the growth and development of their communities and the nation. Professor William Otoo Ellis, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said the University had, since its inception 60 years ago, trained more than 70,000 high quality skilled men and women who have prevailed and excelled in several fields.

He said the University was continually reviewing its curricula and introducing innovative measures to maintain quality and to position itself as a centre of excellence in teaching and research.

Mr Frank Tackie, an alumnus, and Director of Comptran Engineering and Planning Associates who spoke as a motivator, said there are lots of opportunities in the current challenges facing the nation and advised the graduates to be passionate about whatever they want to do to achieve success.