Government to table bill to rename public universities

The government is preparing a new bill for Parliament. This bill will rename the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS). Several other public universities across the country will also be renamed.

Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, announced this plan. He spoke during the inauguration of the Governing Councils for CKT-UTAS and Tamale Technical University (TTU). TTU was renamed Dr. Abdoulaye Salifu Technical University under the previous administration.

Mr. Iddrisu mentioned a policy shift regarding university names. He emphasized that changes would not erase history or contributions from honored individuals. “It is not to undermine any statesman’s legacy,” he stated.

He assured that those deserving national honors would keep them. Mr. Iddrisu is consulting various stakeholders about these decisions. These include traditional authorities, academia members, alumni associations, students, and civil society organizations.

The Minister believes these discussions are crucial for reflecting national values. They should also consider sentiments from those connected to affected institutions.

Prof. Stephen Kendie chairs the Governing Council at CKT-UTAS. He thanked the President for their confidence in him and his team. He pledged to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Prof Kendie noted that he established Ghana's first Peace and Development Studies program in 2008. Since then, he has focused on peace, conflict resolution, and human development issues.

He expressed concern over numerous lawsuits affecting the university's operations. The Council aims to resolve these legal issues promptly.

“We need to create an environment of peace for everyone,” he said.

Other Council members include Prof Albert Luguterah (Vice Chancellor), Dr Gregory Abe-I-Kpeng (University Teachers Association), Mr Fatai Usman (University Senior Staff Association), and Mr Richard A.Akumbas (Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools).

Additional members are Mr Barnabas Kofi Waja (Students Representative Council) and Mr Huaru Alhassan Marifa (Alumni Association). Prof Godwin Awabil, Prof Agnes Apusiga, and Mr Amos Alemiya Ayuure were nominated by President Mahama.

Source: GNA