Accra (Greater Accra) 30th Sept '99

Professor George Benneh, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, on Wednesday urged traditional rulers to assist the government in funding tertiary education. He asked them to emulate the noble example set by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with the establishment of an Education Endowment Fund within a few days of his ascension to the Asante throne.

"As we enter the next millennium, the country has three main issues to contend with - increase in population will be more than 30 million in the next 25 years, demand for accommodation will be high at primary, junior, secondary and tertiary levels as well as quality education".

Speaking at the launching of the 25 anniversary of Jack and Jill School in Roman Ridge, in Accra, Professor Benneh said to meet these demands "there is the need to expand our physical facilities and increase our resource inputs into the system".

Professor Benneh said there have been praiseworthy initiatives taken by some traditional rulers in the country to help fund tertiary education calling it "a step in the right direction".

He said people like Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has given education the highest priority in Ashanti.

He stated that although other chiefs are doing the same in their traditional areas, there is room for improvement adding "if all districts assemblies and traditional councils, were to follow these examples the burden will be made lighter."

Professor Florence Dolphyne, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon, said "if indeed the country's Vision 2020 is meant to make this country a middle-income nation, then we really have to sit up and inject into our educational system, resources that will equip the young people."

She stressed the need for quality education at the tertiary level saying employers keep remarking negatively about the output of graduates from the universities.

Professor Dolphyne recalled years ago when students were offered employment during the long vacation, however, "it is not so this time and students are not gaining any exposure in the field", she added.

"Government being the largest employer should restructure the national service secretariat to place students in tertiary institutions on vacation jobs that will provide the relevant exposure and on the job training.''

This will make them better prepared to assume responsibility after graduation, she said.