UTAG kicks against resubmission of Public Universities Bill

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed dismay at the proposed resubmission of the Public Universities Bill (PUB) to parliament.

As stakeholders and beneficiaries of the legislation, the Association in a statement, condemned government’s lack of engagement and consultation, an act the group says,demonstrates a lack of respect for the principles of shared governance and academic freedom.

“With deep concern, we observe the government’s persistence in pushing through this controversial bill despite widespread rejection from the university community and the higher education environment.

“We are particularly dismayed by the lack of consultation or engagement with UTAG, the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of such legislation. The disregard for consultation with UTAG, coupled with the alarming disregard for the concerns of the university community, demonstrates a lack of respect for the principles of shared governance and academic freedom,” the statement noted.

Parliament on February 6, 2024, resumed sittings for the first meeting of the Fourth Session of the 8th Parliament.

As part of the agenda for the meeting, a total of 82 bills are expected to be presented to the House, including the Public University Bill.

The bill, which was formerly introduced in April 2019 and tabled in parliament in 2020 by the then Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, was meant “to provide the procedure for the establishment of public universities, [set out] principles for the management of public universities, [determine] the legal status of public universities, the procedure for financing public universities and administration, and supervision of the activities of public universities and related matters”. 

The bill, when passed, is expected to give government power to appoint the majority of members of the university council.The council then has the power to appoint and fire public university officials. The bill also gives the President the power to dissolve a university council, which will now have the power to appoint a chancellor. It also gives effect to the university council to control the finances of the university and determine the allocation of funds.

The bill was widely criticized by both institutions and the public, and was  consequently withheld.

UTAG, however, upon learning of the expected resubmission of the bill, in the statement dated February 6, 2024, opposedthe bill in its current form.

“As stakeholders committed to advancing higher education in Ghana, we urge the government to reconsider its approach and engage in meaningful dialogue with UTAG and other relevant stakeholders, including TUTAG. The future of our public universities and the quality of higher education in Ghana depend on collaborative efforts that respect the voices and expertise of all stakeholders.

“UTAG stands firm in its commitment to safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of our public universities and we will continue to advocate policies that uphold the values of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and quality education for all,” the statement concluded.

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