The Private University Founders Association (PUFA) has extended its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education and the sector Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, for acknowledging the concerns of Private Universities and initiating steps to amend the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023).
They also expressed gratitude that a Cabinet Memo is being finalised to make the chartering process optional for Private tertiary institutions.
This is contained in a press release signed by PUFA’s Executive Secretary, Dr Martin K. Gyambrah.
“This policy shift directly addresses the long-standing challenges associated with the current chartering framework, which Private Universities have often found restrictive and cumbersome. Making charter acquisition optional will provide institutions with greater flexibility to innovate and enhance their contributions to national development,” Dr Gyambrah noted.
“PUFA also commends the Minister’s recognition of the vital role Private Universities play in widening access to higher education. The reaffirmed commitment to Access, Relevance, and Quality (ARQ), supported by oversight from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), provides a balanced approach that encourages institutional growth while maintaining high academic standards,” it added.
PUFA also commended the Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, led by Hon. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, whose advocacy for optional chartering, it said, reinforces broad stakeholder alignment.
“His citing of research indicating that the government saves approximately fifty thousand (GHC50,000) Ghana Cedis per student enrolled in Private Institutions highlights the substantial value private universities deliver to the state,” Dr Gyambrah wrote.
“PUFA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry and all stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education sector and advance meaningful reforms,” the Executive Secretary assured.
