Prof. Allotey Commends NAB But…

 
From Michael Boateng, Fiapre
Professor Francis Allotey, a renowned scientist and the current President of Ghana Academy of Arts has applauded the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for its directive, calling on all academic members of staff of Universities to have the terminal degree of PhD.

Prof. Allotey described the directive as a good one, which will help improve the quality of teaching staff in universities and research output.

However, the renowned Ghanaian Scientist noted that in view of the financial difficulties that private universities in their infant stages face in Ghana, it will even be more helpful if the National Accreditation Board and the National Council for Tertiary Education could impress upon government and its agencies, such as GETFund and the Scholarship Secretariat, to offer scholarships and bursaries to academic staff in private Universities to pursue PhD programmes locally and abroad.

Prof. Allotey was speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the 8 th Congregation and 16 th Matriculation ceremony of the Catholic University College of Ghana (CUCG), Fiapre, at the weekend, on the theme: 'Ten Years of Holistic Catholic Education, The Experience of the Catholic University College of Ghana.'

The ceremony coincided with the launch of the 10-year Anniversary of the CUCG. According to Prof. Allotey, there was the need for a holistic education which equips students with analytical and entrepreneurial skills to meet the challenges of today's global economy.

'It is to be noted that if our education remains only an academic exercise without a moral dimension, it would only be truncated and not be a holistic education.'

Professor Allotey indicated that the main aim of Catholic Education is to produce a citizenry with an all-round education which puts them at the service of humanity, and it was because of this Catholic faith and drive for universal education that made the founders of the CUCG choose as its motto: 'Scientiae ac sapientiae lumen splendeat.' This literally means -'Let the light of knowledge and wisdom shine brightly.'

As a scientist, Prof. Allotey urged the CUCG to set up Faculty of Science and Technology, which will provide unlimited avenues for many courses to be introduced to meet today's growing science and technological needs of society.

He said it is the only way by which the CUCG can withstand the test of time and compete nationally and globally on an equal footing.

The Vice Chancellor of CUCG, Prof. James Hawkins Ephraim assures that the University having been in existence for ten years remains committed to contributing its quota to the development of the country through the courses offered.

He added that in the CUCG 10 th Anniversary, its goal is to attract qualified and seasoned staff who will assist in the consolidation of the academic and administrative processes at the university, and the achievement of this objective shall mark the beginning of its quest to become an autonomous institution, or a chartered university.

In all 679 students graduated and 400 fresh students were matriculated, whilst the Chairman of the Governing Council of CUCG, Most Rev. Philip Naameh launched the 10 th anniversary celebration.

He outlined some of the schedule of activities as Home coming of past students, lecture series, fundraising activities, sporting events, a one week celebration and the Climax of the anniversary on November 9, 2013.