GTEC Directs Universities to Cease SHS Satellite Campus Operations

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a directive for universities to halt their operations of satellite campuses in senior high schools (SHSs) and on unapproved premises. This decision comes as GTEC aims to address concerns regarding the proliferation of satellite campuses, which it believes is hampering the growth and development of technical universities.

During the 12th congregation of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, the Director-General of GTEC, emphasized the adverse effects of these satellite campuses on technical universities’ progress. He highlighted instances where multiple traditional universities operate distance education programs within the same SHS premises, such as Bolgatanga Senior High School, causing congestion and potentially compromising educational standards.

To rectify this situation, GTEC has initiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with affected universities’ Vice-Chancellors. This agreement outlines a four-year period for universities to phase out current students enrolled in satellite campuses. After this transition period, universities will be prohibited from admitting new students to these centers. GTEC will conduct comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with teaching quality standards, staff competence, and student eligibility for admission.

Additionally, GTEC has mandated that self-owned satellite campuses obtain campus accreditation before offering academic programs. Professor Jinapor affirmed GTEC’s commitment to enforcing these directives, citing the signing of MoUs with six institutions to cease admitting students to approximately 210 satellite campuses.

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The move aims not only to enhance the quality of education but also to enable technical universities to attract students who would otherwise have enrolled in satellite campuses, thereby bolstering their student populations. Professor Jinapor emphasized GTEC’s dedication to safeguarding technical education, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s socio-economic development.

In parallel, BTU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, announced the introduction of 17 new academic programs, including Master of Science (MSc) programs in agriculture. He also revealed plans to extend Competence-Based Training (CBT) initiatives up to the Higher National Diploma (HND) level, sponsored by German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) and the World Bank.

The outgoing Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, reiterated the government’s commitment to technical education, emphasizing its role in training critical human resources for national development. He urged stakeholders to support the government’s efforts in advancing technical education as a catalyst for industrialization and national transformation.