Professor Samuel Kofi Afrane, the Vice Chancellor of Christian Service University (CSU), recently spoke at a grand durbar held to celebrate the university’s golden jubilee in Kumasi. He urged Ghanaians to invest in private universities, pointing out that Ghana boasts over 80 private institutions that significantly enhance access to higher education. Afrane emphasized that these universities play a critical role in human resource development while also generating substantial employment opportunities. He expressed concern that many private institutions operate below their capacity and highlighted the need to harness education as a valuable exportable commodity that could contribute positively to the nation’s economy.
The Vice Chancellor praised the high regard University education in Ghana holds across Africa, informing attendees that increasing investment in both private and public universities could yield considerable foreign exchange benefits for Ghana. By enhancing the educational sector, he argued, the country could transform the quality of its education and, consequently, its performance on the international stage. Professor Afrane’s remarks suggest an urgent need for stakeholders in the educational landscape to recognize and act upon the promising opportunities inherent in higher education.
In his address, Professor Afrane laid out the university’s ambitious plans to modernize its information technology infrastructure. He spoke about the launch of a robust e-learning program designed to facilitate online teaching and learning. This initiative aims not only to enhance the engagement of faculty and students but also to reach prospective students who are unable to attend classes on the campus due to geographical constraints. His vision for CSU is to establish the institution as a Center of Excellence for IT-driven education, aligning it with contemporary pedagogical practices and technological advancements.
Furthermore, Professor Afrane announced plans for a solar energy project intended to power the CSU campus, aiming to mitigate rising electricity costs that have been challenging for the university. The project, which is at an advanced planning stage with installation set to begin soon, will be executed in partnership with Ewia Green Investments West Africa Ltd., a Ghanaian-German company. Their commitment is reflected in a generous $10,000 donation toward the initiative. This project not only underscores CSU’s initiative towards sustainability but also aligns with global trends favoring eco-friendly solutions.
In addressing concerns regarding CSU’s limited capacity for future expansion, the Vice Chancellor revealed that the university had secured an 11.5-acre plot located at Sabin Akrofoum near Trede, along the Kumasi-Obuasi Road. This new campus is intended to accommodate the Health Faculty and will feature a hospital that could serve both the university and the surrounding community. The addition of a health facility will not only enhance the learning experience for students through practical clinical training but also fulfill vital health care needs in the area, thereby reinforcing the university’s community-oriented mission.
In summary, Professor Afrane’s address during the golden jubilee celebrations illuminated the significant role that private universities like CSU play in Ghana’s educational landscape. His vision for modernizing CSU’s educational offerings through technology, pursuing sustainable energy solutions, and expanding facilities demonstrate a thoughtful approach to developing higher education in Ghana. By investing in these institutions, Ghanaians have the opportunity to foster substantial economic growth while simultaneously enriching the lives of individuals who seek higher education.
