Africa needs ICT policies to power dev`t -MUC Principal

The Principal of the Maranatha University College (MUC), Rev. Bernard Marbell, has called on African universities to enact Information Communication and Technology (ICT) policies, to bridge the wide digital divide gap that has characterised the African continent.

This, he said, would lead to speedy development, poverty and conflict reduction, improve health, and increase life expectancy in Africa.

Rev. Marbell made the call at the school's Third Matriculation Ceremony at Sowutum, a suburb of Accra.

He added that African universities could create greater tax, increase savings and investment, and lead to a more entrepreneurial development, and a vibrant civic society.

According to him, “it is in the light of this understanding, that the Founders and Council of Maranatha University College, have broadened our programme offers, to include five options in Business Administration, namely Accounting, Banking and Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management and General Management.

“Also to help stem the tide of the worldwide HIV/AIDS pandemic, and have human capital that is harnessed according to their talents and spiritual gifts, in the light of national needs and priorities, we have begun a Bachelor of Arts Programme in Guidance and Counseling.”

Rev. Marbell disclosed that plans were afoot to introduce a programme in ICT, to complement the country's ICT development agenda.

The Director of Christian Education and Church Development of the Ghana Baptist Convention, Dr. Edward Osei-Bonsu, who was the Guest Speaker, observed that everybody had a part to play for the prosperity and development of the nation.

To this end, he appealed to the lecturers of the universities, to instill discipline and good leadership qualities in the students, to enable them contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

He added, “We are looking for men and women of integrity, to arrest the corruption in the land.”

In all, 107 students were matriculated into the university college, to undertake programmes in Business Administration, Theology and Ministry and Guidance and Counseling.