Okyenhene and Education Minister Lead Call for Universities to Prioritize Entrepreneurship and National Development

Ghanaian traditional leaders and government officials have intensified calls for a paradigm shift in higher education, urging tertiary institutions to evolve from simply awarding degrees to fostering innovation and job creation. At the investiture of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori as the new Vice-Chancellor of Garden City University in Kumasi, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, emphasized that the future of the nation depends on nurturing young business leaders. He argued that universities must equip graduates with critical thinking and innovative skills to become ethical leaders capable of driving economic transformation rather than remaining job seekers.

Echoing these sentiments on the national level, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu challenged university leadership to align their academic programs with Ghana’s immediate developmental priorities. Speaking at the inauguration of a new 200-bed hostel at Wisconsin International University College, the Minister stressed the importance of universities sticking to their foundational missions. He also called for a more collaborative relationship between university management and governing councils, urging councils to provide strategic support rather than interfering in the day-to-day administration of these institutions.

Beyond curriculum and national policy, the focus has also shifted toward the quality of the student-lecturer relationship. At an international conference at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), former Vice-Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Adow Obeng raised concerns about a perceived decline in lecturers' commitment to student welfare. He urged academics to prioritize the nurturing and mentoring of students over the singular pursuit of publishing academic papers. This call for a more student-centered approach was made during an event honoring Professor Domwini Dabire Kuupole, whose career was celebrated for its dedication to student development and regional integration.

These collective calls for reform come at a time when private universities face increasing pressure. Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori noted that private institutions are grappling with intensified competition from public universities, which have expanded their fee-paying programs. In response, Garden City University and similar institutions are planning to introduce specialized healthcare programs and expand infrastructure to meet specific national demands. The consensus among these stakeholders is that the survival and relevance of Ghana's higher education sector depend on its ability to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also prepared to solve the country's socio-economic challenges.