ADVERTISEMENT

Why Ghana needs an Open University

Ghana is the latest country to embrace the open university system with the establishment of Laweh Open University making it the first accredited university of its kind in Ghana.

 

What is an open university?

Just in case you were wondering what an open university is, well, it is, very much like any university. The only difference is, such a university has an open-door academic policy. This simply means it does not set entry-requirements for one to get admitted. Anyone can literally apply and start courses from anywhere they are.

Classes are mostly done online and distance education is very much encouraged.

ADVERTISEMENT

Importance of Open universities

1. Improve access to higher education

Open universities make it possible for more people to get a university education. This means that those who finished secondary school years ago but did not further can finally go back. Those who cannot attend conventional university because of grade entry requirements or time constraints can also do so easily and at their time and pace at open universities. So house husbands and wives, you too can get a university degree.

2. Cheaper

Attending an open university is also significantly cheaper than conventional universities which leaves many students and their parents in massive debt. Much of the course material can be found online and the time flexibility means you can work and get your degree at the same time.

ADVERTISEMENT

3. Skilled workers

Open universities have overseen the education and re-education of workers to equip them skills necessary for industry and professional development.

Laweh Open University College is the first accredited Open University College in Ghana established in 2014 as an open supported learning institution offering certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate courses.

Laweh is global partner with the Franklin University, USA, for the award of its degrees, diplomas and certificates.

The Laweh Open University conducts its operations through Regional Centres and Study Centres. Currently there are fifteen (15) contact points in African countries coordinated by prominent personalities.

ADVERTISEMENT

Below is the Testimony of one of the Students:

John Kofi Edeh is a level 200 BSC Emergency Management and Homeland Security' student. According to him, he chose to pursue a degree in Laweh because of the uniqueness of the Open University concept Laweh runs.

“I am not at the mercy of my employers for study leave to be able pursue higher studies. At Laweh, the opportunity is there for me to interact with my Lecturer at my own convenience . For instance, I had a full session with my Lecturer from the comfort of my living room. At Laweh, the resources available for students to excel academically and in their chosen professions are monumental,” he said.

He said another major reason for his preference to Laweh is the quality of professional programmes on offer.

“I am particularly enthused about the Bsc Emergency Management and Homeland Security course I am offering.This programme is almost a virgin area in Ghana. The prospects are enormous stretching from security sector through international Diplomacy to conflict resolution,” he stressed.

ADVERTISEMENT

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT