Some students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), have expressed their concerns regarding the NPP’s running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s, plans to rename the institution “Opoku-Ampomah University of Professional Studies” during his recent tour in the Ashanti Region.
This follows the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) renewed commitment to rename UPSA in honour of its founder, should they win the upcoming December elections.
Speaking to UniversNews, some students voiced their dissatisfaction with the proposed name change.
“Napo renaming UPSA to the founder’s name would be a politically motivated move with no significant positive impact on the school. The current name has already built a strong reputation, and changing it would be a waste of resources that could be better spent on developmental initiatives to directly support student learning and development—areas that would have a more meaningful impact on the university,” one student said.
“Updating the curriculum to be more relevant and engaging, providing access to quality education for all students, and ensuring resources are allocated to effectively support learning and development—these should be the priorities, rather than a mere renaming of the university. Focusing on these impactful areas would better serve the institution and its students than a name change.”
“Renaming UPSA may not be the best way to honour its founder, as there are already campus facilities named after him. Instead, the leadership should focus on addressing more pressing student needs, such as improving accommodations and infrastructure—initiatives that would have a greater positive impact than a politically motivated name change.”
“Even though honouring the founder is a good intention, renaming UPSA may not be necessary or relevant at this time. There are other more impactful ways to remember the founder without changing the established name of the university. The priority should be addressing the university’s more pressing needs rather than a name change.”
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Story by: Promise Yaa Dakey | univers.ug.edu.gh
