The Chancellor of Ghana Baptist University College, Rev. Enoch Nii Noi Thompson, wants government to support private universities in the areas of scholarship and infrastructure.

He believes this is important for sustainable human resource development.

“I will also like to appeal to the government to extend some support to private universities in Ghana, especially in the area of scholarship in faculty development, and the provision of internet services to enable them to continue to contribute to human capital development,” he said. 

The provision of quality education at the tertiary level in private schools is often impeded by a lack of infrastructural and academic support. 

Speaking at the 14th congregation of the University, Rev. Enoch Nii Noi Thompson, emphasized the role of stakeholders in ensuring a holistic literate society. 

He also urged graduates to live up to the values they’ve acquired during their schooling.

“Be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that may come your way. And make a difference in your environment. Endeavor to build trust and credibility in all your dealings with people, and live with the future in mind. Take everything that this university had given you, and let the good values you have acquired at GBUC influence your views and decisions,” he said. 

The congregation was themed “Skills development for job creation: options for the university graduate”.

The congregation saw the graduation of some 420 students who completed various levels of programmes including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, and master's degrees. 

Co-founder of the International Community Schools, Dr. Charles Yeboah, urged graduates to learn entrepreneurial skills to make them viable in the business world. 

“The lack of requisite skills and competence needed for today and future education accounts for the lack of preparation for today's evolving job market. Schools and universities today are not adequately preparing graduates for the world of work. And therefore contributing to the huge competency gap between schools and industries.

“If you want to be successful, begin to learn new skills you never learned which will be your gateway to success in the world of work. For those who studied theology, if you have 21^st century skills and competence, your church will not suffer. You have to understand that a university education is only a foundation of lifelong learning,” he said. 

President of the Ghana Baptist University College, Prof. Joshua Oteng-Agyei revealed that the university is committed to providing additional programmes. 

“We have proposed and we have been given options to start various schools. The convention has given us access to 60 acres of land at Offinso to start programmes in computer science, ICT, engineering, and environmental science.

“Ejura chief has given us land to start an agricultural school in Ejura. It's not easy getting the resources. Management has been working earnestly with our enrolment team to attract more students to boost our numbers,” he said.