A FORMER Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Emmanuel Addo Obeng, has noted that the recent development in the Ghanian body politic demands an educational system that infuses academic excellence with ethical standards.
"We need medical doctors, engineers, scientists and other science and technologically based professionals, but they must be grounded in ethics and exemplify good morals, "he noted.
Professor Addo Obeng made the remarks during the 34th matriculation ceremony of the Christian Service University College (CSUC) in Kumasi.
In all, 757 freshmen and women were admitted into the school to pursue degree programmes in Communication Studies, Theology, Computer Science and Business Studies. The recent admission has increased the student population of 1,584 to 1,951.
He explained that infusing moral values with science and technology would enable Ghana to produce principled, honest and dedicated graduates ready to support the stability of the country, national unity and sustainable socio-economic development.
"Much emphasis has been placed on science and technology, and rightly so because they are catalysts to development, but no nation can develop effectively if morality is extricated from body politic, or if the ethical standard of a people is ignored," stated.
Explaining, he said, because science and technology had been identified as the catalyst to the socio-economic development of every nation, tertiary institutions in Ghana and the educational system have generally focused on them to the neglect of moral values.
The former Vice Chancellor noted that the purpose of education was the total development of the individual, which includes the mind, hands and heart.
He said the need for the educational system to promote good moral behaviour among students "is much more pressing now than ever before because of recent developments that characterises violence during elections".
Professor Addo Obeng advised that divisive politics that had polarised the populace along two of the major political parties, the rising incidence of armed robbery, perceived corruption, discrimination on ethic and religious lines, as well as moral decadence, call for the inculcation of moral values into the educational system.
"The present situation does not augur well for the growth and stability of the country," he noted.
"What could have been a volatile situation can be averted by a well-educated person whose emotions have undergone modification programme, "he noted, adding, "it involves the inculcation of the principles of righteousness, morality and justice.
It ensures human dignity, freedom, truth, personal responsibility and stewardship."
Explaining, he said, while training the hands of students implied equipping individuals with practical and technological skills that enabled them to make a living in this modern and highly technological world, developing their minds and equip them with the requisite intellectual capabilities that help critical and analytical thinking to enable them take informed decisions to enhance their career.
In his address, the President of CSUC, Professor Emmanuel Frempong, advised the students to refrain from peddling in narcotic drugs, saying “offenders will face a disciplinary panel for appropriate punishment which may include expulsion and police prosecution."
He urged them to hold the core values of the university in high esteem, stressing that they should not only be God fearing, but should also work hard and manage their time efficiently to enhance academic and moral excellence.
He gave the assurance that the university would create the enabling environment which would enable them nurture and develop their potentials to the fullest.
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