The President of Christian Service University College, Prof. Sam Afrane says as part of measures to improve CSUC in the fast-changing socio-economic environment of the tertiary education sector, the University College is undertaking a number of strategies and programmes.
The CSUC President outlined these initiatives at the 39th Graduation Ceremony of CSUC on the theme, “Graduate Unemployment and University Education in Ghana: The Role of Key Stakeholders.”
Touching on some of these new initiatives, Prof. Afrane said CSUC was working to reform its curriculum and teaching methodology.
“We are working on the introduction of Distance Learning and Problem-Solving Approaches in our teaching methodology. These are strategic initiatives that will enable us reach out to many potential students who are living outside Kumasi and also shift the teaching mode from teacher-centred learning approach to student-centred learning paradigm”, Prof. Afrane highlighted.
On new academic programmes, the President announced that CSUC had received accreditation to mount the BSc. Information Technology Programme and was seriously working towards making it a flagship item in CSUC’s January 2016 Admissions.
Prof. Afrane also mentioned that plans were far advanced for the introduction of new programmes including MSc. Finance and Accounting; MSc. Project Monitoring and Evaluation; BEd. Basic Education; and BEd. Early Childhood Education. He also hinted that CSUC was working on the accreditation and affiliation for the introduction of Physician Assistants’ Programme.
Speaking on alternative energy programme, the President said the current energy crisis in the country was having serious repercussions on CSUC, estimating that “with the projected tariff increases, our energy bill will be about GH₵40,000 per month.
In the light of these increases, he indicated that CSUC was considering installing an Inverter/Solar System as an alternative energy programme for the University College, estimated to cost about 60,000 to 80,000 US Dollars.
On new businesses, Prof. Afrane stressed that the University College could not continue to rely on fees to take care of both current and capital expenditures. He said the institution had therefore, decided to embark on some income-generating activities to boost income stream.
Also, as part of efforts to give a further boost to research activities, the President indicated that CSUC had established a Research Fund to promote and encourage research and publications, intra-faculty seminars, workshops, research retreats and colloquia in the University College.
“We are also considering the establishment of a Centre for Inter-disciplinary research, Innovation and Development to promote and accelerate joint research across the departments and faculties in the University College,” he added.
The President also announced plans by the University College to organise its first international conference in May 2016 under the theme: “The Changing dynamics of the Cocoa Industry in the West African Sub-Region”.
Reiterating the need for the re-organisation of CSUC Alumni Association, the President said management was making efforts to re-organise the Alumni Association which had been a bit inactive for some years to enable it play an effective role towards the development of its alma mater.
Prof. Afrane also called on all friends of CSUC, alumni, benefactors home and abroad to lend every necessary support as the faculty, staff and students work assiduously towards the attainment of full University status.
Giving a word of advice to the graduates, the President asked them to be good ambassadors of CSUC by upholding the core values which the institution had inculcated in them, including the Lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ and Integrity.
“Your qualification may get you your dream job, but integrity, coupled with hard work and excellent work ethics, will cause you to keep that job”, Prof. Afrane advised.
A total of 368 students graduated from the departments of Theology; Communication Studies; and Computer Science; as well as Accounting & Finance; Management & General Studies; and Marketing, Logistics & Corporate Strategy.
Out of the number, 205 (56%) students were males, while 163 (44%) were females.
Seventy two (30%) students graduated first class honours; 107 (30%) obtained second class (upper division); while 133 (37%) had second class lower division. Forty six (13%) obtained Third Class.
Among the graduation students were the first batch of 10 graduate students from the MA in Christian Ministry with Management.
