The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Joseph Ghartey, in a speech read on his behalf at the 2nd congregation of West End University College (WEUC) on Saturday, said such researches were needful to complement that of public universities and drive forward the country’s developmental agenda.

“Providing technological research should be central to the research agenda of private universities in an attempt to find better ways of dealing with societal problems. Such research will lead to the birth of new companies, create jobs and propel the economy for creation of new wealth,” he said.

Nineteen out of the 41 graduands undertook a four-year programme in Bachelor of Nursing, five in Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology, 10 in Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Development option) and five in Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting).

Special awards were presented to three of the graduands for their outstanding performance.

Ms Blessing Ifunanya Agunwa was adjudged the overall best student.

The event was held on the theme “Evolution of private universities in Ghana- Challenges and way forward.”

Speaking on the theme, Prof. Ghartey said private universities had a significant role to play in churning out skilled and knowledgeable graduates for national development.

According to him, that role could be effectively played when focus was given to technological research into development-oriented problems confronting the country.

He said considering the number of students that complete senior high school annually and the need to absorb them into tertiary institutions, it was only prudent that private tertiary institutions be supported to complement public institutions.

The Rector of WEUC, Prof. Ben Oduro advised graduates to think within and outside the box to create their own jobs instead of seeking one.

“There are no jobs to apply for; the labour market supply of graduates has outgrown the labour demand. We therefore urge graduates to consider empowering themselves in job creation by creating their own businesses with a determination to succeed,” he said.

By Charles Amankwa