The All Nations University College in Koforidua, at the weekend launched a research Fund of GH�400 million to encourage vigorous research at the tertiary institution.
Dr Samuel H. Donkor, President of the University, who launched the fund, which coincided with the sixth Convocation of the school, said the money would be accessed by both faculty members and students.
"Proposals are to be submitted to the Vice President- University Advancement for consideration. Funds shall be made available to candidates whose research proposals have the potential to benefit the university and the society at large," he said.
Dr Donkor said the university would partner major research Institutions and other tertiary schools both locally and internationally for joint research work to make the academic facility a centre of excellence in research and innovation.
"All nations University hold the view that personal commitment towards excellence is fundamental to the process of higher education."
Dr Donkor said the objective of the fund is to sponsor research for national economic development and the harnessing of natural resources to develop the economy and raise the living standard of the people.
It also aims at sharing knowledge acquired from research with industry and agricultural sectors to enhance production.
Dr Donkor suggested the need for the Ministry of Science and Technology to create a division for research, through collaboration with the universities.
He noted that funding for research was a major obstacle for African academicians and said the ministry could encourage active research in
science and technology by funding research projects at the universities.
Dr Donkor said: "All Nations University College will partner with the Ministry by offering our state of the art laboratories and qualified faculty for research projects for national development," he said.
He announced new programmes to be introduced by the beginning of 2011-2012 academic year, to include Civil Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology and Project Management.
He said the university is creating the School of Business to be headed by a dean to pave the way for new programmes such as Master of Business Administration and other post graduate programmes.
Dr Donkor challenged the graduates to lift the banner of the university high by being diligent and hardworking at their various places of employment.
Mr Mohammed Ahmed Baba Jamal, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, commended the university for making great strides in its relatively few
years of existence.
He also commended the university for being the first school to establish Biomedical Engineering in the country and taking the lead role to set up Electronics and Communication Engineering, an innovative Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and the first private university to receive accreditation for an upstream programme in Oil and Gas Engineering.
"For me the Oil and Gas Engineering programme is particularly needed at this time in Ghana's history. It will help prepare students to attain the relevant skills and expertise in petroleum engineering required for the emerging market of the oil industry in Ghana."