He indicated that the present education system that remained largely academic and focused on theories, was not helpful to the effort to make the products of the tertiary institutions employable.

Prof Kuupole was addressing the 10th congregation of the Presbyterian University College of Ghana (PUCG) at Abetifi in the Kwahu East District. A total of 661 students made up of 352 males and 309 females graduated at the ceremony. “Graduate unemployment; the education for what” was the theme chosen for the event.

He said it was vital to equip students with the requisite skills to fit the demands of the job market. He underlined that education should aim at giving young people the knowledge, skills and attitudes that could help build the society and ensure sustainable development. The Reverend Prof Emmanuel Addow Obeng, President of PUCG, appealed for a review of the government’s policy to tax the private universities. 

He also suggested a freeze by the National Accreditation Board on the authorization of the establishment new private universities, except those into science and technology, health and medical sciences. From the year 2000 figure of about 15 private tertiary institutions, there are now 110 universities in the country with majority of them ignoring the sciences. 

The Right Rev Prof Emmanuel Martey, the Chancellor, said its goal was to become a centre of academic excellence and a catalyst for growth of the nation’s education.