Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute, William Boadi, has criticized government’s decision to rename several public universities, describing the move as misplaced at a time when Ghana’s education sector is grappling with deeper challenges.
Speaking on Noon Target on Bullet TV, Mr. Boadi argued that the priority should be improving the quality of teaching and learning rather than altering institutional identities.
“I don’t think at this time, looking at the rate at which our education system is rotten, we should focus on changing school names. We should rather check the content of our various schools in the country,” he said.
He stressed that the real measure of education lies in the value schools provide to learners, not in their names; “Going forward, we must check what we teach, how we train the students. That is the most important thing,” he added.
Mr. Boadi further linked the issue to Ghana’s rising unemployment, noting that many graduates struggle to apply their knowledge and skills in the job market.
“Why is it that a learner will go to the university, graduate, and yet cannot use the knowledge and skills acquired to create a job for himself or herself? Even the knowledge we do acquire has no link with the job market,” he lamented.
He urged policymakers to redirect attention toward curriculum reform, practical training, and job-market alignment, insisting that these interventions are critical to reversing the sector’s decline.
Background
Ghana’s Parliament has passed legislation to rename three public universities; a move aimed at aligning their identities with academic specialties and geographic locations while enhancing global competitiveness.
The amendments, approved on Friday, affect the following institutions:
– C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences to be renamed University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo
– S.D. Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies to be renamed University of Business and Integrated Development Studies
– Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development to be renamed University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi
Renaming the C.K. Tedam University required a specific amendment to its founding statute, Act 1000 of August 2019.
According to the Committee on Education, the changes are designed to modernize the institutions’ identities in line with global trends. The committee’s report noted:
“Many universities globally are changing names to reflect contemporary values and social justice. By following this trend, the University will enhance its global competitiveness and appeal to international students.”
The bill passed after a headcount vote in Parliament. The majority National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus secured 154 votes, later rising to 155 with the First Deputy Speaker’s support. The minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus opposed the measure, registering 25 votes.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the renaming strategy will clarify each university’s core mission, strengthen community identity, and position the institutions for greater national and international recognition. The move is also expected to spur broader investment in Ghana’s higher education sector.
