Ntim Fordjour hints return of controversial Public Universities Bill

Deputy Education Minister-designate, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour Monday said the controversial Public Universities Bill currently suspended by the Parliament will be reintroduced to ensure standard and quality at the tertiary level.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Ministry during his vetting monitored by EducationWeb.com.gh, the soon to be Deputy Minister for Education said plans are far advanced to reintroduce the Bill to the floor of Parliament for further discussion.

“The Public Universities’ Bill is a key policy framework necessary in ensuring standards in Universities across the country are of the highest quality,” the Assin South Member of Parliament told the Appointments Committee.

Mr Fordjour comment comes after he was asked how the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) is contributing to quality of education in the tertiary level since there is no pass mark for students who sit for BECE and qualifies for Fre SHS.

Responding to the question, the Reverend Minister said ” I will support the re-engagement of stakeholders to ensure that the Public Universities bill comes back to the table to ensure standards at the tertiary level are not compromised.”

The controversial Bill when passed, will give the government power to appoint the majority of members of the University Council.

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It will also give the President the power to dissolve the University Council, which will now have the power to appoint a chancellor.