Churches must invest in basic schools; not universities - Pro VC

The Pro-vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Very Reverend Professor Anthony Afful-Broni, has taken a swipe at religious bodies for investing in tertiary schools at the expense of basic education.

In his view, the underlying factor for this emphasis on universities is the desire for profit other than improving access and quality.

There has been a sharp increase in the establishment of tertiary educational institutions in recent times. The country currently has over 100 private universities, colleges and institutions of higher learning aside the state-owned tertiary institutions.

The development has undoubtedly provided a platform for many youth who cannot access the already choked public tertiary institutions. But the Pro-Vice Chancellor thinks otherwise.

Professor Afful-Broni believes the rapid expansion of tertiary institutions is a misplaced priority.

“More and more churches would like to invest in tertiary institutions. Now that makes me quite suspicious about their agenda. Why is it that these churches are not interested in investing in primary education? The secret is that it does not bring them money. I want to use this medium to talk to all these numerous churches who want to begin from the top to begin from the bottom by creating more elementary schools so that our children will have good foundation".

Professor Afful-Broni also suggested that Government made it compulsory for private educational institutions to assist under-privileged students since they were making excessive profit.

“I am suggesting that it becomes compulsory for all private schools to have in place a component of their profit geared towards helping needy but brilliant children to also have access to private and privileged schools through scholarships. I know that many of these private schools make too much profit and they do not give back. Private schools should not be the preserve of the powerful and the rich only” he stated.

He urged players in the educational sector to ensure that all children be in school to secure a brighter future.