Fiapre (B/A), Sept. 19, GNA - More than GHc25 billion have so far been spent on an ultra-modern campus infrastructure for the Catholic University College situated on a total land area of 6.1 square-miles at Fiapre in Brong Ahafo.

Briefing newsmen on the development of the tertiary institution, Professor James Hawkins Ephraim, Vice Chancellor of the University said resource centre, which houses a library and computer laboratories, and two large lecture theatres and a classroom block, had been completed. A second classroom block has reached the third floor level while the administration building is at the ground floor, he said. The lecture theatres could seat 700 and 500 students respectively. Professor Ephraim stated that the main block contained nine classrooms, two of which had been converted into offices for the Registrar and the Vice Chancellor, while another one converted into a board meeting room.

He said 80 computers had already been set up and that additional 250 were being expected.

The University is also building a three storey hostel, which is about 70 per cent complete while contract has been awarded for the construction of 16 staff bungalows.

Professor Ephraim said plans were afoot for the establishment of Science laboratories for the basic sciences of physics, chemistry and biology. On the security of the facilities, the Vice Chancellor said the University had engaged the services of a private security company to guard them.

The University offers degree programmes in Economics and Business Administration with options in Economics, Accounting, Management, Banking and Finance.

It also offers undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Religious Studies, Bachelor's degree in Public Health with options in health management, Health Informatics and Health Information. It runs Bachelor's Degree in Education with options in School Administration and Guidance and Counseling. Professor Ephraim said the University also offers Diploma programmes in Education for graduate teachers who want to have a professional qualification, adding it runs a night school which provides the opportunity for adults, especially workers to study for part-time degrees.

"A unique feature of our training programmes is its inbuilt enrichment and religious courses. Through our interactive pedagogy our students are empowered with unparalleled excellent tuition, high moral values and profound understanding of the socio-cultural challenges of Ghana." He said enrolment had grown from a modest beginning of 50 students to 1,280 currently. He said the University envisaged mounting new programmes in the near future. The new programmes will include degrees in Nursing, Actuarial Science, Mathematics with Finance, Mathematics with Economics, Agricultural Science and Environmental Science. 19 Sept. 08