The Vice Chancellor of University of
Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has responded to criticisms leveled at the
University and its academic staff by two US-based Ghanaian lecturers and
researchers.
The two, Dr. Prosper Yao Tsikata, an Assistant Professor of Communication
and Dr. A. Kobla Dotse, Director, Chemical R&D both at the Valdosta State
University in the United States have questioned the credibility of certificates
possessed by some academic staff of the university, claiming the institutions
that awarded them do not have any verifiable accreditation sources.
They also raised concerns about the manner in which academic
promotions are awarded at the University, stating that research and
publications should form the basis of such promotions as it is being done in
most universities.
But delivering an address at the 2016 matriculation ceremony to
formally welcome and induct fresh students into the university, Professor Alabi
refuted claims that every university ought to be a research institution.
According to him, UPSA is a Professional University in which
emphasis are placed more on teaching and learning rather than research.
“For us, this university, it is a professional university and in
a professional university, we lay emphasis on teaching and learning that is why
our products on the job market are doing very well,” Professor Alabi said.
He continues, “So we hear people talk about UPSA
lecturers-research, research- Yes! There is an element of research in what we
do, but that is not what we are into, ours is a purely a technical university.”
He noted that UPSA has been tested by various international
organisations and some section of the public in this country and added that, it
is always good when people interrogate their system and they are always happy
to hear things about their university because it makes them grow and improve on
their services.
In all, a total of 3,216 students representing 46.25% of the
total 6,954 applications received for the 2016/2017 academic year have been
officially inducted as junior members of the university. This includes 592
Diploma students, 1,949 undergraduate students, 596 students at the
Postgraduate level and 79 professional students.
Professor Alabi disclosed that government has given the
university clearance to engage about 118 more lecturers to augment the strength
of its academic staff and also to ensure parity in lecturer – to- student ratio.
He expressed thanks to the University Community for the support
and love shown him during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University and
asked for same support for his successor.
Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey has been appointed as the
new Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
source: ghcampus.com/
Post A Comment:
0 comments: