Matthew Glover Addo calls for national funding policy for private universities

Prof. Matthew Glover Addo, the Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Ghana (CUG), has appealed to the government to establish a national funding policy that includes private tertiary institutions. Speaking during the university’s 25th Congregation and 38th Matriculation Ceremony, Prof. Addo emphasized that the current focus on funding first-year students exclusively in public universities creates a disparity that could harm the long-term viability of the private education sector. He argued that a more inclusive funding framework is essential to strengthen Ghana’s overall tertiary education landscape.

Addressing graduates and new students, the Vice-Chancellor explained that private universities play a critical role in human capital development and deserve state support to remain competitive. He warned that if government interventions continue to favor public institutions over their private counterparts, it could stifle the growth of the private sector, which provides vital access to higher education for thousands of Ghanaians. Prof. Addo urged policymakers to treat both public and private universities as partners in the national development agenda rather than separate entities competing for limited attention.

Despite the operational challenges facing private institutions, the Catholic University of Ghana reported a significant milestone with its highest-ever new student enrollment. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the university admitted more than 3,600 new students, reflecting a growing demand for its academic programs. Prof. Addo highlighted recent infrastructure projects and the introduction of new academic offerings as evidence of the university's progress. He concluded by calling on stakeholders to support the institution as it navigates operational hurdles while continuing to expand its contribution to Ghana’s educational goals.