GHANA: Vice-Chancellor Interacts With Students

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey has in the last few weeks been interacting with students in their halls of residence as a means of engaging them and collectively exploring ways of improving the quality of teaching and learning at the University. Speaking on some developments that the University of Ghana has made especially in the area of academic issues, Professor Aryeetey mentioned the restructuring of courses to ensure effective teaching and learning, the introduction of smaller class sizes, which he argued decreased the lecturer-student ratio, creating enhanced interactive sessions. He added that in order to improve upon the quality of lecturers, the University has introduced staff development programmes in addition to the recruitment of younger lecturers and researchers. He said that currently about 120 young lecturers are pursuing PhD programmes in diverse disciplines. He said that the University is committed to bringing distinguished academics, including Nobel laureates to work with faculty members to impart their knowledge, expertise and experiences Professor Aryeetey lauded the efforts of Colleges and Faculties in improving teaching and learning at the University and giving the University a world-class image through their active collaboration with other reputable academics and institutions of higher learning and research centres. He mentioned in particular the West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), and the Noguchi Institute for Medical Research (NMIR), among others, adding that in the case of WACCI, the Centre is committed to plant breeding and developing new varieties of maize, while the NMIR is developing malaria vaccines. On governance, the Vice Chancellor assured students of transparency and accountability. He encouraged them to provide feedback through lecturers’ assessment in order to enhance monitoring and evaluation. He further assured the students that the anti-sexual harassment policy is still in place to take care of gender related issues. Professor Aryeetey called on all students to render their support towards the preservation of the value of the University’s assets, including land, human capital, roads and the uniqueness of the architecture which he described as “not comparable”. The Vice Chancellor responded to a number of issues from students relating to academic and residential issues, such as the state of the science laboratories, science equipment and materials, the introduction of the meal plan, tolling of roads, perennial water shortage, power-cuts, sanitary conditions, etc. On science materials, the Vice-Chancellor assured students that the University had allocated a substantial amount of money for procuring science equipment and materials, which he said would impact considerably on teaching and learning. The Vice-Chancellor noted the deliberate attempt by some students to misinform their colleagues and send wrong messages to the media on the meal plan. He said the concept of the meal plan was to assist students, especially freshmen and women to settle in, while providing hygienic, decent and affordable meals to them to enable students spend less time on cooking. He mentioned that the University would strictly enforce the policy of no cooking in rooms, and asked students to desist from the practice. He further explained that the meal plan would afford students the option to choose a one, two or three meals a day plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner). He reminded students of the need to engage through the interaction so that their concerns can be taken care of in pricing, etc. On the tolling of the roads, the Vice Chancellor said that the University had secured a GH¢7 million loan facility for the asphaltic resealing of sections of the roads, and construction of dirt roads, and it was therefore necessary to toll the roads. He said the income generated would help ensure maintenance of these roads. The Abibigroma Drama Group directed by Mr. Ken Kafui have spiced the visits with drama performances which has brought home the point of eating and staying healthy. The Vice-Chancellor is being accompanied on these visits by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. James Adomako, the SRC President, Edmond Kombat Biirbia and the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa. The Vice-Chancellor and members of his entourage have always been warmly received by the Hall authorities and the executive of the Junior Common Room of the various halls visited. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to voice out their grievances and expectations.