Douglas Olsen
Ghana has 10 public universities, with the oldest and largest being the University of Ghana, which was founded in 1948. In 2019, there were 264,994 students enrolled in public universities, and 64,870 enrolled in private universities and colleges. In 2022, there were 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana. Ghana's education system is considered to be in good condition compared to other sub-Saharan African nations, but the country faces challenges in providing inclusive, high-quality education to its youth. Nigeria is the largest sender of international degree-seeking students to Ghana, with 9,172 students in 2017.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana | 635,000 in 2022 |
| Number of students enrolled in public universities | 264,994 in 2019 |
| Number of students enrolled in private universities and colleges | 64,870 in 2019 |
| Number of Nigerian students in Ghana | 9,172 in 2017 |
| Number of Nigerian degree-seeking students in Ghana | Between 71,000 and 75,000 in 2014 |
| Number of Gabonese degree-seeking students in Ghana | 509 in 2017 |
| Number of Ghanaian public universities | 10 |
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What You'll Learn
In 2022, there were 635,000 tertiary students in Ghana
Ghana's education system is considered to be in good condition compared to other sub-Saharan African nations. However, the country faces challenges in providing inclusive, high-quality education to its youth, especially with its rapid population growth. In 2022, there were 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana, an increase from the previous year. Enrollment at this level has been on the rise over the last 15 years.
Ghana has a total of 10 public universities. The University of Ghana, founded in 1948, is the oldest and largest of these. It is divided into four colleges: the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Humanities. The university has partnership agreements with universities in North America, Europe, and Africa, and it offers several programmes for student and staff exchange, as well as collaborative research.
Despite the overall positive outlook, gender inequalities and disparities in access to education between rural and urban regions persist in Ghana. The tertiary net enrollment rate stood at 17% in 2016, higher than the sub-Saharan African average of 9% but lower than that of countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Unemployment among university graduates is also high, as evidenced by the existence of the "Unemployed Graduates Association of Ghana".
Ghana has become an attractive destination for Nigerian students due to the poor condition of Nigeria's education system, which is strained by capacity gaps and funding shortages. In 2017, Nigeria contributed more than 70% of international degree-seeking students in Ghana, with a total of 9,172 students. Ghana's proximity to Nigeria and its more affordable education options make it a viable alternative to studying in more distant countries like Australia or the United States.
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Ghana has 10 public universities
Ghana's education system is considered to be in good condition compared to other sub-Saharan African nations. However, the country faces challenges in providing inclusive, high-quality education to its youth, especially given its rapid population growth. For example, gender inequalities and disparities in access to education between rural and urban regions are severe. In 2014, the Deputy High Commissioner at the Nigerian Embassy, Mohammed A. Kurmawa, charged that private Ghanaian institutions were fleecing Nigerian students for monetary gain, as 90% of the students in private universities in Ghana were Nigerians.
Despite these problems, Ghana's tertiary net enrollment rate has been skyrocketing over the past decades. In 2016, it stood at 17%, higher than the sub-Saharan African average of 9%. In 2022, there were 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana, an increase from the previous year.
Ghana has also become an increasingly viable alternative for many Nigerians seeking quality universities. In 2017, Nigeria contributed more than 70% of international degree-seeking students in Ghana (9,172 students). Ghana's proximity to Nigeria and its lower costs compared to study destinations like Australia, Canada, China, and the United States have made it an attractive option.
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Nigerian students make up most international students
Ghana's tertiary education system has seen significant growth in recent years, with enrolment increasing over the last 15 years. In 2022, there were approximately 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana, a notable jump from the previous year. This growth has outpaced the country's capacity, and challenges remain in providing inclusive, high-quality education to all.
Among international students in Ghana, Nigerians constitute the largest group by far. In 2017, Nigeria sent over 9,000 degree-seeking students to Ghana, comprising more than 70% of international degree-seekers in the country. When including non-degree-seeking students, the number of Nigerians studying in Ghana was estimated to be between 71,000 and 75,000 in 2014. This influx of Nigerian students has injected substantial funds into Ghana's economy and education system.
The high number of Nigerian students in Ghana can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Nigeria's education system faces challenges due to capacity gaps and funding shortages, making it difficult for Nigerian students to secure places in domestic universities. In comparison, Ghana offers a more viable alternative with relatively lower costs and proximity to home. Secondly, Nigerian students view the Ghanaian education system as a "rescue option" from the complicated admission processes and strikes in Nigerian universities.
However, it is important to note that many Nigerian students in Ghana have enrolled in low-quality private institutions that charge high fees for substandard programs. There have been accusations that these private universities, which enrol predominantly Nigerian students, are more focused on monetary gain than providing quality education. Nonetheless, the overall trend reflects the increasing attractiveness of Ghana as a destination for international students, particularly from Nigeria.
Ghana itself is also a significant sender of international students to other countries. Ghana is the second-largest African sender of students to the United States, with a growing number of Ghanaian students opting for master's and doctoral programs abroad. Ghana's strong universities also attract students from other African countries, with approximately 20,000 students enrolled from across the continent.
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Ghana's tertiary net enrolment rate was 17% in 2016
Ghana's tertiary net enrollment rate was 17% in 2016, which was higher than the sub-Saharan African average of 9%. However, it was less than half of that of countries like the Philippines or Indonesia. Despite the low tertiary net enrollment rate, Ghana's education system is considered to be in good condition compared to many other sub-Saharan African nations.
Ghana has seen an increase in tertiary enrollment over the last 15 years, with 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in 2022. The majority of students in tertiary education in Ghana are enrolled in public institutions. In 2020, 13.2% of tertiary enrollments were in private institutions, with the highest percentage of enrollments in private institutions occurring in 2012 at 20.3%.
Ghana has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, especially from Nigeria. In 2017, Nigeria was the largest sending country of international degree-seeking students in Ghana, with 9,172 students. Between 2012 and 2015, the number of Nigerian degree students in Ghana doubled within three years. However, there have been concerns about the quality of some private institutions in Ghana, with allegations that they charge high fees for substandard programs.
While Ghana's tertiary net enrollment rate has shown improvement over the years, the country faces challenges in providing inclusive and high-quality education to its youth, especially with its rapid population growth. Additionally, high unemployment rates among university graduates can discourage prospective students from pursuing tertiary education. Despite these challenges, Ghana's education system compares favorably to those of many other sub-Saharan African nations.
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Ghana's education system faces challenges due to rapid population growth
Ghana's education system has witnessed significant improvements through legislative and community-led reforms. However, it faces challenges due to rapid population growth, threatening the provision of inclusive and quality education. Ghana's population has doubled from 14.2 million in 1989 to 28.8 million in 2017, with an annual increase of 700,000 to 800,000 people. This rapid growth poses challenges in ensuring adequate educational infrastructure and resources.
One of the critical issues is the shortage of qualified teachers, resulting in high teacher-student ratios. For instance, in popular disciplines like business, the ratio reached 161 students per instructor in 2017. Additionally, there is a lack of adequate classroom facilities, with some students learning under trees, and a shortage of textbooks and learning materials, particularly in rural regions. These challenges are exacerbated by inadequate funding from the government, leading to overcrowded classrooms and poorly trained teachers.
The quality of education also varies significantly across different parts of Ghana, with rural areas lagging behind urban centres. This inequality further contributes to the challenges in providing equal opportunities for all. Gender disparities persist, with girls facing higher chances of dropping out due to poverty, cultural norms, early marriage, and a lack of adequate sanitary facilities in schools. Furthermore, the issue of child labour prevents many children from attending school, as they are forced to work due to poverty and the lack of access to quality education.
Despite these challenges, Ghana's education system compares favourably to many other sub-Saharan African nations. Tertiary enrolment rates have increased over the years, with a notable rise from 203,337 students in 2009 to 417,534 in 2015. In 2022, there were approximately 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana. However, unemployment among university graduates remains high, impacting prospects for increased tertiary attainment rates. Ghana's rapid population growth presents challenges in ensuring sufficient educational resources and maintaining quality standards.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2022, there were 635,000 students enrolled in tertiary education in Ghana, with 264,994 of these students enrolled in public universities.
Enrollment in tertiary education in Ghana has been increasing over the last 15 years. In 2019, there were 329,864 students enrolled in public universities and private universities/colleges.
One of the primary reasons for the increase in tertiary education enrollment in Ghana is the influx of international students, particularly from Nigeria. In 2017, Ghana was the fourth most popular destination for Nigerian degree-seeking students, contributing more than 70% of international degree-seeking students in the country.
