Education · Godfred Anku Kaali
Presbyterian Moderator urges universities to align curricula with job market needs
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has urged universities to align their academic programmes with the demands of the job market to improve graduate employability and support national development.
He said universities must regularly review their curricula to reflect professional standards and equip students with relevant practical skills to enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking at the 20th Congregation of the Presbyterian University at Nkwatia in the Eastern Region, Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye expressed concern about graduate unemployment and the gap between university education and workplace requirements.
“Ghana needs graduates who can create jobs and solve problems, and not merely those who go in search of jobs”, he said.
He therefore called for stronger industry partnerships, internships, entrepreneurship training and practical learning opportunities to prepare students for the world of work.
The Chancellor also urged the University Council, Senate and Management to review the institution's academic progression policies and student support arrangements, particularly in view of the ongoing debate over minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) requirements and the withdrawal of students who fail to meet prescribed academic standards.
He stressed that the University must uphold the credibility of its degrees while ensuring that students facing academic difficulties receive the necessary support to improve.
“Our aspiration must be to build a University that is uncompromising in academic standards, yet compassionate in its treatment of students,” he said.
On the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in education, Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye called for clear policies to guide its ethical application in teaching, learning and research, stressing the need to uphold academic integrity.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of PUG, Prof. John Ofosu-Anim, urged graduands to uphold the University's core values of excellence, commitment, integrity, discipline and faith in God as they enter the world of work.
He cautioned them against corruption and practices that undermine national development, including illegal mining, noting that the country's challenges are partly rooted in a failure of character and accountability.
Prof. Ofosu-Anim urged the graduands to look beyond personal advancement and use their education to contribute to the common good.
“Education is not merely about personal advancement; it is about contributing to the common good and making a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
A total of 1,071 graduands graduated at the 20th Congregation. Of the number, 181 obtained First Class honours, 502 earned Second Class Upper, 363 obtained Second Class Lower, 24 graduated with Third Class, while one obtained a Pass.
The Presbyterian University, Ghana, was established by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 2003 and obtained a Presidential Charter in August 2022, granting it autonomous university status.