AUCB Charter Launch: Prof. Blankson urges Inclusion of Private Universities in “No Academic Fees” Policy

Vice Chancellor of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB), Prof. Isaac Abeku Blankson, has called on the Mahama-led government to extend its “No Academic Fees” policy to first-year students in private universities. This appeal comes as the policy currently focuses on public institutions, with plans for the potential future inclusion of private universities.

Speaking to the media after the official launch of AUCB as a fully-fledged autonomous university, Prof. Blankson emphasized that private universities operate within the same educational landscape and should not be discriminated against. He noted that these institutions also play a crucial role in training future leaders and deserve government support.

“The educational policy being rolled out by the Mahama government regarding support for first-year students in universities focuses only on public institutions, there are first-year students in private universities; my plea is for them to consider including these students who are entering through private university routes,” he noted.

Founder of AUCB, Hon. Kojo Yankah stated the importance of practical applications of education to solve national problems and advocated for an Afrocentric approach to enhance education across Africa.

He said “AUCB should aim at courses and programs designed to help transform Ghana and Africa by changing minds and attitudes for societal advancement,” he said. “Our courses must be Afrocentric, giving meaning to our motto: ‘Discover Yourself.'”

Meanwhile, Alumna President of AUCB, Dr. David Olaga (Esq.), assured management that the alumni are committed to supporting initiatives aimed at positioning AUCB as a premier African institution through scholarships and capacity-building programs.

Background on AUCB

Established as the Africa Institute of Journalism and Communications (AIJC) in 2002 by Hon. Kojo Yankah, AUCB has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially offering diplomas in Communication Studies before gaining accreditation as a tertiary institution in 2004, it expanded into BA degrees by 2007 and BSc programs by 2010. In 2018, it launched postgraduate programs further enhancing its academic offerings.

As a UNESCO Centre of Excellence partnering with global universities while being part of Ghana’s Council of Independent Universities (CIU), AUBC continues fostering academic excellence through several established centers dedicated to enriching learning environments amidst ongoing growth & recent transition into full autonomy under its current name: African University of Communications and Business (AUBC).