The Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on universities to consider alternative measures to withdrawing students who fail to meet minimum academic performance requirements.
He said students struggling academically should be identified early and provided with the necessary support to improve their performance rather than being immediately withdrawn from their programmes.
His comments follow the University of Ghana’s directive to withdraw students whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 1.0, a decision that has sparked public debate within the tertiary education sector.
Addressing graduands at the 20th Congregation Ceremony of the Presbyterian University at Kwahu-Nkwatia, the Chancellor recommended academic advising, regular monitoring, tutorials and remedial interventions as measures to support students facing academic challenges.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye further observed that poor academic performance could result from factors beyond students’ control, including financial difficulties, family problems, health conditions and emotional challenges.
He therefore urged universities to strengthen student welfare and support systems to address these difficulties and prevent students from dropping out of school.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Prof. John Ofosu-Anim, has commended the institution’s academic performance, citing the achievement of the best graduating student, who obtained a CGPA of 3.9.
He described the achievement as a reflection of discipline and commitment to academic excellence.
Prof. Ofosu-Anim also highlighted the higher proportion of female graduands at this year’s congregation, saying it reflected the university’s commitment to gender equality and equal opportunities in higher education.
He urged the graduands to stay away from drug abuse and use their education to become agents of positive change in society.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
