The Founder and President of Millar Open University, Professor David Millar, has issued a strong call to the government to properly equip Ghana’s 10 technical universities, warning that their current trajectory is undermining their core mandate.
According to Professor Millar, technical universities must return to their primary role of providing hands-on technical and vocational education, rather than chasing high enrolment numbers by offering humanities courses. He specifically urged institutions like Bolgatanga Technical University to strengthen their technical programs and resist the temptation to dilute their focus.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show, Professor Millar expressed deep concern over what he described as a dangerous shift in priorities.
“Government must take a hard look at technical universities. Right now, they are all chasing money. They introduce geography, history, economics, and then proudly announce, ‘Oh, our student numbers have grown from 3,000 to 5,000, and next year, we’re projecting 7,000.’ But who are the ones making up these numbers?” he questioned sharply.
He warned that this trend is a direct betrayal of the very purpose for which technical universities were established, urging immediate intervention to prevent further decline.
On the broader education system, Professor Millar was equally direct: “If we are serious about transforming education, we must build on our strengths. A one-size-fits-all approach will only weaken our system.”
His remarks come at a time when many education experts are raising concerns about the direction of technical education in Ghana. Without urgent reforms, he cautioned, technical universities risk becoming indistinguishable from traditional universities, failing to produce the skilled workforce Ghana needs for industrial growth.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
