Catholic University VC Calls for Dedicated Fund for Private Unis

The Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Ghana (CUG), Prof. Matthew Glover Addo, has urged the government to establish a dedicated fund for private universities, warning that current support for first-year students in public universities could reduce enrolment prospects in private tertiary education.

Speaking at CUG’s 25th Congregation and 38th Matriculation Ceremony at Fiapre, near Sunyani, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, he called for a comprehensive funding policy benefiting both public and private institutions. He said government should include private universities in the national tertiary education development agenda and “de-emphasise government tertiary education” in favour of a programme covering all institutions.

Despite competitive pressures, Prof. Addo announced CUG’s highest-ever new student enrolment. The university targeted 3,200 new students but enrolled about 3,648 for 2025/2026. At the ceremony, 1,810 new students were matriculated, while 2,806 graduated—668 postgraduate and 2,138 undergraduate. CUG also graduated its first PhD student, Dr Godfred Etse Klugah, a milestone the VC described as the start of a new chapter in advanced scholarship, research and innovation.

Prof. Addo said CUG is expanding programmes and infrastructure despite financial and operational challenges. It has commissioned a pavilion, acquired two 30-seater buses and two Toyota Hilux pickups, and bought 150 computers for a laboratory. Plans are underway for a university clinic and campus police station, while a Faculty of Law is expected to begin in January 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

He acknowledged that development needs exceed internally generated resources, citing shortages of qualified teaching staff, retention difficulties due to salary disparities, and the need to improve research output. He appealed to the Catholic Church, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists and alumni to support infrastructure, student accommodation, lecture facilities, healthcare and research.