The acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to partner with private investors and development partners in addressing accommodation challenges facing students on campus, despite previous investments in the area.

The existing on-campus residential facilities, he said, are unable to meet the demands of the institution’s rapidly growing student population. He noted, “This shortfall has had a direct impact on student enrolment and accommodation output.”

Prof. Aheto explained that in the 2024/2025 academic year, the University admitted over 20,000 students, but only 11,500 were able to enrol largely due to accommodation challenges, stating, “Out of the 11,500 that enrol, only 6,000 secured accommodations on campus.”

He made the remarks at the 10th session of the 58th congregation of UCC, held over the weekend for graduates of the School of Graduate Studies.

Held within a five-day period, a total of 17,542 students—comprising 13,388 undergraduates and 4,154 postgraduates—graduated with various degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The postgraduate figure includes 128 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates.

Prof. Aheto further indicated that nearly 20,000 continuing students rely on private hostels in surrounding communities and neighbouring towns.

The situation, he said, has been compounded by postgraduate students, who also compete with undergraduates for the limited housing facilities available on and around campus.

The University, the acting Vice Chancellor stated, aligns itself with the government’s ‘Big Push’ agenda, which seeks to address critical infrastructural deficits and stimulate economic transformation through coordinated public investments, innovative financing models, and strategic partnerships with credible private sector investors.

To that end, he said, the University Governing Council recently considered a comprehensive proposal aimed at guiding strategic partnerships and sustainable financing mechanisms for student housing development at the institution. “This initiative represents a significant step forward towards resolving the accommodation challenges in a sustainable and forward-looking manner,” he said.

Prof. Aheto further said that the university’s postgraduate studies align with national development priorities and global academic standards, ensuring that graduates remain competitive and relevant. “The quality of our postgraduate education is grounded firmly on a sound quality assurance standard, ably supported by our Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance,” he said.

He appealed to government for clearance to recruit lecturers to ensure the promotion of teaching, learning, and research on campus.

In an earlier session, Prof. Aheto explained that the College of Distance Education had made significant progress towards its vision of developing fully operational satellite campuses that meet the University’s academic standards.

To that end, he said, the study centres at Papafio Hills in the Greater Accra Region, Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region, and Dominase in the Ashanti Region have now received accreditation. He stated, “These facilities expand our capacity to deliver high-quality education across wider geographical areas and ensure a seamless academic experience for all learners.”

The Chairman of the Governing Council of UCC, Justice William Atuguba, in his address, reiterated the University’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, impactful research, innovation, and service to society.

He urged the graduates to use their knowledge to provide evidence-based solutions, mentor future generations, and uphold the highest ethical standards in research and professional practice.

Picture: Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), addressing the congregation.