MoE to submit Bill to regulate distance programmes in universities

The Ministry of Education intends to submit the Open Universities Bill 2023 to Parliament to regulate the conduct of distance learning programmes in universities, a member of the Parliament’s Select Committee on Education has said.

“As Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, I can confirm that no Public Universities Bill (PUB) has been tabled again before the 8th Parliament.

The Ministry of Education however intends to submit the “Open Universities Bill 2023” to regulate the conduct of distance learning programmes in universities in Ghana,” Dr. Prince Hamid Armah said in the social media post.

In a related development, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) after engaging stakeholders in the tertiary education sector has created a policy framework to regulate transnational education space in the country.

The Director of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Jinapor says a policy framework to regulate transitional education has become necessary amid the growing number of institutions outside the country expressing interest in operating in the country.

Citing the availability of reliable electricity, the security situation, the nation’s democratic credentials, and qualified staff in the country, he said Ghana was one of the most attractive destinations when it came to tertiary education

“Peace and conducive environment in the country, availability of reliable electricity, security situation, the nation’s democratic credentials, qualified staff and faculties to teach are some reasons most foreign institutions felt comfortable doing business in Ghana,” the GTEC Professor said.

The Board Chairman for GTEC, Prof. Kwame Boafo Arthur, said transnational education played a critical role in the global exchange of knowledge, fostering cultural understanding and preparing individuals for the challenges of an interconnected world.

The Commission official explained that “as we navigate the complexities of this landscape, it becomes imperative for us to join hands, share insight and create a robust framework that prioritises collaboration and quality assurance.”