The Presbyterian University College Ghana (PUCG) has admitted 702 students for the 2021/2022 academic year into the various undergraduate programmes. Out of the total figure, 283 are males and 419 are females.
The breakdown per faculties are as follows: School of Business and Economics 85, Faculty of Science and Technology 35, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences 439, Faculty of Development Studies 28, Faculty of Education 3 and Faculty of Laws 58.
The Principal of the PUCG, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu announced this at the 19th Matriculation Ceremony at the Kwahu campus at Abetifi in the Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region on Saturday 12th March 2022.
COVID-19 Impact
Prof Oduro Owusu said the impact of Covid-19 pandemic has affected education at all levels negatively “The restrictions and lockdowns, social distancing and the cost of procuring PPES, enforcement of the covid-19 protocols have all negatively affected the conventional ways of teaching and learning” he said.
He said the situation is not over yet since the virus is still lurking around and nobody knows when the pandemic will be over, therefore, it is the responsibility of institutional authorities to find new ways of going on their business amidst the pandemic. “All other things can wait, but education cannot wait until the pandemic is over” he emphasized.
E-learning
The Principal said fortunately, there are already existing technologies that make it possible for teaching and learning; the use of the internet and e-learning infrastructure. He however lamented about the fact that many students – especially those living in rural or poor households – find it difficult or impossible to participate in e-learning because they do not have access to the necessary devices, the Internet, or reliable electricity.
He therefore called on the government to support educational institutions especially private ones through the provision and distribution of laptops and tablets to students, and expand affordable and reliable internet access to schools in the rural areas as part of the Digitization Agenda.
“For us in PUCG, I wish to announce to you that the progress of work on the Campus Internet Infrastructure upgrade is ongoing. The Okwahu Campus is already connected to the Ghana Academic and Research Network (GARNET). All the infrastructure work to ensure the connection of the Asante Akyem to GARNET is complete. We, therefore, expect the full connection to start from next month. This will ensure a drastic improvement in internet connection on Campus” he announced.
Prof. Oduro Owusu also mentioned that very soon, other campuses of the university at Akuapem and Tema would also be connected.
Advise to Students
Advising the students the Principal said the aim of the university is to train students to acquire certain skills and aptitudes that would change how they think and act, leading to self-control, creativity, and innovation.
“We intend to do this by ensuring that our core values of Faith in God, Integrity, Commitment, Discipline, and Excellence permeate in whatever we do here. These are values that will make you disciplined leaders as well as Agents of Change in your chosen fields. Efforts will be made to inculcate these values in you through the spiritual exercises and courses you will be exposed to” he emphasized.
Prof. Oduro Owusu urged the newly admitted students to be of good behaviour at all times and study diligently, including regular attendance at lectures and all University functions such as mid-week services, life value workshops, and talks. It is compulsory for all students to participate in all official programmes and functions of the University.
Advise to Law Students
Addressing the law student in particular, the Principal said Legal Education in Ghana has reached a point that its competitive nature cannot be overlooked. He said after obtaining the LLB certificate, they will have a competitive task ahead, and that is the law entrance examination. “This examination will grant you admission to the Ghana School of Law to prepare you for qualification as professional lawyers”.
“Therefore, I wish to implore you to ensure that your primary objective of coming to the PUCG Faculty of Law would include studying for your LLB certificate to be admitted to the Ghana School of Law and eventually to be called to the Ghana Bar”.
Prof. Oduro Owusu expressed appreciation to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the entire Church for the continued support to the University over the years. He took the opportunity to call on the financially endowed Presbyteries of the Church to sponsor as many students as possible to study at the Presbyterian University College, Ghana.
Source-Presbyterian Media
