Ghana's tertiary education landscape has undergone significant transformation over the years, marked by the establishment of several private universities. These private universities play a crucial role in national development by increasing access to quality higher education. With government tertiary institutions often struggling to admit a high number of applicants, private universities provide an important alternative for students to pursue their education. 

To sustain their impact and improve support for the education sector and national development, it is essential to grant Presidential Charters to private universities that have demonstrated excellence. This recognition will enhance their capacity to develop cutting-edge programmes and prepare students to thrive in the ever-changing job market.

One of the standout institutions making waves in education is Academic City University, formerly Academic City University College. Since it started, Academic City has been breaking the norms of the traditional higher educational system by combining technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership with strong academic training. This approach has earned the university a Presidential Charter in under seven years, an achievement that makes it one of the youngest universities in Ghana to achieve this honour.

On December 19, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, officially conferred the Presidential Charter on Academic City University College and 13 other universities. This signifies the university's newfound autonomy, allowing them to independently award degrees and define their path. 

For Academic City, this milestone is a springboard for advancing its mission to produce Africa’s next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

A Journey of Commitment and Excellence

The road to securing the Presidential Charter began in earnest last year, with an intensive review process led by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Ministry of Education. This rigorous assessment evaluated Academic City’s teaching methodologies, infrastructure, curriculum quality, financial stability, staff qualifications, and governance structures. Emerging successful in these evaluations, Academic City stood among a select few institutions to reach this milestone within such a short timeframe.

Before attaining the charter, Academic City was mentored by two outstanding universities: The University of Cape Coast and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT). These partnerships laid the foundation for the university’s growth and academic excellence. Now fully autonomous, Academic City retains these valuable affiliations while gaining the freedom to forge new global collaborations and expand its impact.

Unlocking New Opportunities

The Presidential Charter is a game-changer for Academic City, eliminating the need for external approval from mentoring universities for new programmes. Previously, launching new courses required navigating a lengthy process that consumed significant time, energy, and resources. Now, the university can independently introduce innovative programmes and define its academic direction.

This autonomy has already borne fruit. Academic City recently launched MSc programs in Data Science and Analytics and Cybersecurity and signed an MoU with Northern Kentucky University to offer a STEM-focused MBA programme. Plans are also underway to introduce PhD programmes and additional master’s courses in technology-focused fields.

The Responsibility of Autonomy

With great achievement comes great responsibility. With great achievements come great responsibilities. The charter status brings heightened expectations for Academic City to continuously evolve its curriculum, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global workforce. The university’s focus remains on equipping students with critical problem-solving skills, fostering creativity, and promoting innovative thinking.

A key challenge will be attracting world-class faculty to enhance the university’s already robust teaching and learning methodologies. By building a strong research culture, Academic City aims to contribute significantly to national development and establish itself as a model research institution in Ghana.

The university’s commitment to creating a student-centred learning environment is also set to deepen. Academic City’s approach emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking and equal opportunities for all students, ensuring they graduate as confident leaders ready to make an impact.

Celebrating Past Achievements

Even before attaining charter status, Academic City made significant strides in providing world-class education. Its innovative approach earned it recognition as the 15th-ranked university in Sub-Saharan Africa and the 2nd in Ghana by Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023.

Reflecting on this milestone, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, President of Academic City, expressed his excitement: “This achievement empowers us to dream bigger and innovate boldly. The Presidential Charter provides a solid foundation for us to develop forward-thinking programs that prepare students to excel in their professions.” He emphasized that the university’s independence will enable it to refine teaching methods and inspire students to find creative solutions to complex challenges.

A New Chapter in African Education

Academic City’s distinctive educational model focuses on experiential, contextual, unified, and extensional learning. By combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial and leadership skills, the university ensures its graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

As Academic City embarks on this new chapter, its story stands as a testament to the power of vision and strategic action. The university’s journey will undoubtedly inspire other institutions across the continent, positioning it as a beacon of innovation and excellence in Africa’s higher education landscape.

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The writer can be contacted via email at cyrilquansahquainoo@gmail.com