Former VC says education should be de-politicized

Kumasi, Jan. 7, GNA - A former Vice Chancellor of Cape Coast University, Reverend Professor Samuel Adow Obeng, has said that the education system should be de-politicized to ensure consistency in policy= .. He said it was only by depoliticizing education that quality could be assured to propel the nation's socio-economic development. Rev. Prof Obeng was speaking at a symposium organised by the Minist= ers' Conference of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) as part of its annua= l meeting in Kumasi on Wednesday.

He spoke on the topic: "The future of education in Ghana." The former Vice Chancellor said the future of the nation's educatio= n would be brighter if more emphasis was placed on the teaching and learnin= g of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and support for the tertiar= y institutions in their research activities. "Inadequate support for research in the higher educational institutions is a major setback to growth and progress," he said. Rev. Prof Obeng called for the establishment of more private higher=

educational institutions, focusing on science, technology and vocational training.

He encouraged the private universities to work assiduously to meet the hopes and aspirations of the nation.

He said there was also the need for greater partnership and collaboratio= n between higher educational institutions and industry to help expose graduates to good work ethics, skills and other relevant experiences that=

could prepare them adequately for the job market.