Eduwatch Slams NUTE Over Public University Plans
Eduwatch, a Ghanaian education policy think tank, has backed the proposed establishment of a National University of Teacher Education (NUTE), but with several conditions. In a position paper issued on Tuesday, August 25, Eduwatch cautioned that the reform must strengthen Ghana's 49 public Colleges of Education rather than create another conventional public university.
Strengthening Colleges, Not Creating Another University
The proposed federated university could address longstanding fragmentation, uneven academic capacity, weak research orientation, and limited coordination within Ghana's teacher education system, according to Eduwatch. However, the organisation warned against establishing a large central undergraduate campus that could compete with the Colleges for students, staff, and resources.
Common Standards, Quality Assurance, and Research
Eduwatch wants NUTE to serve as an apex institution responsible for academic coordination, common standards, quality assurance, research, postgraduate programs, faculty development, and continuing professional development, while the 49 Colleges remain the main undergraduate teacher preparation sites. The organisation noted that the current system leaves the Colleges dependent on six mentoring universities for degree-awarding and other academic functions, contributing to differences in assessment, grading, governance, and academic standards.
Cost Reduction and Sustainable Financing
Eduwatch also wants the reform to deliver measurable financial benefits for students. The organisation noted that payments to mentoring universities, including examination-related charges, account for about 20% of fees paid by College of Education students. It therefore urged government to ensure that the abolition of the existing affiliation arrangement translates directly into lower student costs, rather than simply transferring those charges to NUTE under new fee categories.
A Sustainable Future for Teacher Education
The education policy think tank further called for a sustainable financing framework covering academic staffing, faculty development, research, libraries, digital infrastructure, teaching and learning facilities, practicum supervision, quality assurance, and continuing professional development. It warned that restructuring the teacher education system without adequate financing could merely change governance arrangements without improving teaching and learning.
Measuring Success
Eduwatch maintained that the success of NUTE should therefore be measured by whether it strengthens the 49 Colleges, improves teacher preparation, reduces costs to students, deepens research and professional development, and contributes to better learning outcomes in Ghanaian schools. The organisation urged government to take a holistic approach to the reform, prioritising the needs of students, teachers, and the broader education system.
Source: Joy Online
