Private varsities deserve access to GTEC Fund, Student Loan – Prof. McBagonluri

By Christabel Danso ABEAM

President of Academic City University, Professor Fred McBagonluri, has called on government to extend access to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) fund and the Student Loan Scheme to students enrolled in private tertiary institutions.

This appeal comes against a backdrop of persistent concerns over financing and access within the country’s higher education sector. Public universities continue to struggle with limited resources amidst rising enrolment figures, while private institutions are increasingly absorbing the overflow of demand for quality tertiary education.

He said this on the side-lines Academic City University’s maiden graduation ceremony following the receipt of a presidential charter.

According to data from GTEC, public universities accounted for approximately 85 percent of total tertiary enrolment in 2023, with private institutions catering to the remaining 15 percent. The number of students choosing private universities has seen consistent growth, increasing from 54,000 to 70,000 in 2024 — a 30 percent rise.

Prof. McBagonluri argued that the exclusion of students in private universities from these government schemes is not only inequitable but also undermines the country’s broader educational goals. He stressed the need to acknowledge private universities as strategic stakeholders in national development.

“Government doesn’t focus enough on private universities, and we hope that changes, because we are a critical strategic partner to national development. Over 70,000 students in this country attend private universities. The question must be asked: What would have happened to them if there were no private universities in the country?” he said.

He asserted that integrating private universities into the GTEC funding framework and Student Loan Scheme would promote fairness and enhance human capital development.

Commenting on the role of engineering in national progress, Prof. McBagonluri emphasised its growing importance and urged for more prioritisation. He cited the United States, China and Vietnam as examples of countries that have advanced rapidly by embedding engineering into their national strategies.

“Without engineering, natural resources cannot be exploited efficiently, or will be exported without value addition. Beyond a cedi appreciation, the fundamentals require focus on innovation and entrepreneurship,” he stated.

Expressing concern about the low number of engineering students in the country, he noted that even institutions specifically mandated to produce engineers are unable to meet their targets.

During the graduation ceremony, keynote speaker Dr. Sam Jonah urged graduates to prioritise purpose over titles as they transition into the world of work.

“Don’t chase titles. Titles can be given and taken away. But purpose — that is yours alone. Let every decision, every job, every risk you take be anchored in that purpose, because that is what gives your leadership meaning,” he advised.

Dr Jonah also encouraged graduates to be intentional about building strong relationships and leaving lasting impressions. He pointed to transformative global companies — such as Facebook, Microsoft, Google, YouTube and Airbnb — which were founded by university peers.

“The lesson is simple: never underestimate the people around you. Your classmate today could be your co-founder tomorrow. Your roommate may become your investor. Your study partners may one day offer you a seat at their boardroom table,” he added.

Graduation Highlights

A total of 122 students graduated from Academic City University, which is noted for its premium Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and entrepreneurship-focused programmes aimed at nurturing Ghana’s next generation of innovators and leaders.

Joseph Ibiduma Apiriala-Atedoghu was adjudged overall best graduating student, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94.

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