UTAG strike: Shutting down universities after 21 days not backed by law, but an economic decision – Prof. Awandare

Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Students’ Affairs at the University of Ghana (Pro VC ASA), Prof. Gordon Awandare, says the law does prescribe universities in the country to shut down 21 days after no academic work.

According to him, such a decision is economically driven as careful consideration is taken on the institution’s cost for the university’s smooth running.

He explained that providing students with social amenities such as electricity, water, while academic work is at a halt will in the long run have financial implications on the university.

“I don’t think that is a law. It is more of a practical decision in terms of its economics.

“If you have students on campus using electricity, water, spending money, putting pressure on the facility and nothing is going on in terms of classroom work, then at a point you have to cut your losses and say, let’s take a break, everybody go home and relax and then when the issue is resolved, come back,” Prof. Awandare said in an interview on Campus Exclusive.