Funding post-graduate education and research in public universities of Ghana: challenges and prospects

Funding post-graduate education and research in public universities of Ghana: challenges and prospects

Enoch Danso Okyere

Hark Mount Sinai Senior High School, Eastern Region, Ghana

Emmanuel Boateng

University of   Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana

Gifty Sirwaa Nyarko

Hark Mount Sinai Senior High School, Eastern Region, Ghana

Racheal Ofori

St. Joseph Seminary Senior High School, Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the challenges and prospects of funding post-graduate education and research. The study adopted the descriptive survey design involving the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection.  The sample was 330. This comprised 310 Master of Philosophy Students, 16 Heads of Department of and 4 Deans of Schools of Graduate Studies. Data was collected through questionnaire and interview schedule. The SPSS software was used to analyze the quantitative data while the interpretative and discourse approach were used to analyze the qualitative data.  The study concluded that postgraduate education and research are prerequisites for accelerated national development but the residential system, methods of teaching and cost involved is depriving many eligible undergraduates. The study recommended policy regulation to reduce over reliance on government budgetary allocation as the primary source of funding for higher education. Encourage more private sector fellowships and sponsorships for postgraduate education and research.

Keywords: Post-graduate education, funding, research