Central University
Drone View of Central University Campus
Motto	Faith, Integrity and Excellence
Type	Private
Established	1998
Chancellor	Mensa Otabil
Vice-Chancellor	Bill Buenar Puplampu
Academic staff	211
Administrative staff	185
Undergraduates	8400
Location	Dawhenya , Greater Accra Region , Ghana 5°33′59″N 0°14′28″W / 5.5663°N 0.2410°W / 5.5663; -0.2410
Campus	Urban area
Website	www.central.edu.gh

The Central University is a Private university in Ghana, founded by the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC).^[1] It was founded as a pastoral training institute by Mensah Otabil in 1988. In June 1991, it was known as the Central Bible College. It later became the Central Christian College in 1993 and eventually became the Central University College in 1998. In 2016, Central University College attained the status of a fully-fledged University thus now Central University. The stated aims of the university is to provide an "integrated and biblically-based tertiary education with particular reference to the needs of the African continent".^[2] It is currently the biggest private university in Ghana.^[3]^[4]

History

In 1988, the Central Bible College was born. In 1993, it became the Christian University College and became the Central University College (CUC) in the year 1998 after a change of name.

Central University College (CUC) is a privately owned university college in Ghana. Owned by the International Central Gospel Church, its founder and chancellor, Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil^[5] has within the last two decades, emerged as a leading voice in African Christianity advocating for a proper synthesis of Christian religious expression and the translation of spirituality into practical everyday action. The Idea of CUC was birthed in 1988.

CUC started as a short-term pastoral training institute mainly for pastors of ICGC. It became a Christian University College in 1993 expanding its programs over the years to include the academic study of Christian Theology, business administration, economics, computer science and a select number of modern languages including French. Most of its current programs are offered up to the graduate level and has seen the establishment of the schools of architecture and pharmacy in the 2008/2009 academic year. In 1998, the university college was accredited by the^[6] (NAB). A Ghanaian newspaper feature on CUC that appeared in The Spectator of Saturday 16 October 2007 described CUC as "a University college in a class of its own". In January 2016, the University College received the long-awaited Presidential Charter to become an autonomous and a fully-fledged university as Central University.

Ten (10) years down the line, CUC's development has been phenomenal with the construction of a permanent campus in Miotso, near Dawhenya. On 26 October 2007 CUC relocated a greater part of its campus from the heart of Accra, the capital to Miotso a community near Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region.

The university's first registrar, Johnson Kanda, was the first employee of the university, who drafted and put together almost all the documentation needed for the university; he served a period of 10 years between 1998 and 2008.

The university's chancellor Rev. Mensa Otabil is the Head Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) The university's past President V. P. Y. Gadzekpo, was the president from 2004 until 2012. He took over from Rev. Kingsley Larbi who was the principal of Central Christian College, Ghana. His distinguished pioneering efforts at the then Central Christian College led to the establishment of Central University College, Ghana, where he served as its first president or vice-chancellor from November 1998 until July 2003. The university was next headed by Kwesi Yankah. He took over from V. P. Y. Gadzekpo on 1 September 2012. He handed over to the current vice chancellor, Bill Buenar Puplampu.

The university received a charter^[7] from the president in 2016 and now has changed from a college to a university.

Milestones

1984 – The International Central Gospel Church [ICGC] is founded by Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil
1988 – The ICGC opens a ministerial institute to train a new generation of leaders
1991 – Central Bible College is birthed from the success of the ICGC ministerial institute
1993 – Central Bible College is incorporated as the Central Christian College

1997

Investiture of Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil as chancellor
Central Business School is commissioned

1998

Central Bible College is re-christened Central University College to reflect its new status as a liberal arts tertiary institution
Johnson Kanda is inducted as the first registrar
Rev. Kingsley Larbi is appointed as the first principal

2002 The Business Development Centre opens for business

2003 Development Directorate is carved from the pre-existing Project Office

2004 V. P. Y. Gadzekpo takes office as the second president

2006 Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences is established

2007 Quality Assurance Unit is launched

Vision & Legacy Unit is established

2008 School of Applied Sciences is commissioned

2009 J. F. Odartey Blankson is appointed as the university's second registrar

Human Resources Directorate is created.

Centre for International Relations & Programmes is inaugurated

2011 School of Graduate Studies is established

William Ofori-Atta Institute of Integrity [WOAII] is instituted

The historic migration of the university from Mataheko to Miotso begins 2012

2012 Kwesi Yankah is appointed as the third president of the university

2013 Faculty of Law is inaugurated

Three lecture-series: Distinguished Speaker Series, Professorial Inaugural Lectures and Annual Colloquia are instituted.

CU's Schools and Faculties commence the first Annual Colloquia Series

Adigun Agbaje begins the Distinguished Speaker Series with the topic "Electoral Politics and the Travails of Democracy" in Africa.

2014

The second and third lectures of the Distinguished Speakers Series are delivered by Mahamudu Bawumia and Kwesi Botchwey on the respective topics: "Restoring the Value of the Cedi" and "The State of the Nation's Political Economy".
The first Professorial Inaugural Lecture is given by Kwaku Appiah-Adu on the topic "A Framework for Oil & Gas Development in Ghana".
The university receives the Socrates Award [Oxford] for Best University & Best Manager
2015 – The Head of State Awards for Academic Excellence [Tertiary] is conferred on the university

2016

The university is awarded a Presidential Charter as a fully-fledged university
The vice-chancellor of the university, Kwesi Yankah, is awarded Laureate for Education in Ghana by Impact Africa Summit.

2017

Bill Buenar Puplampu is appointed Ag. Vice Chancellor
School of Pharmacy, School of Architecture and Design and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences are established.

2019

The school began the use of solar energy to reduce the costs of electricity.

Organisation

The university has seven schools^[8] and two faculties

Faculty of Law

This is the newest school established at the Miotso campus.

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)

School of Theology and Missions

The oldest of the schools, it was started in 1988 as a pastoral training institute thus predating the university.

Department of Biblical and Theological Studies
Department of Historical Theology
Department of Practical Theology

Central Business School

This school was established in 1997.

Department of Accounting
Department of Finance
Department of Agribusiness Management
Department of Management and Public Administration
Department of Human Resource Management
Department of Marketing

School of Applied Sciences

This is located on the Miosto campus.^[9]^[10]

Department of Architecture
Department of Civil Engineering
Department of Natural Sciences
Department of Nursing Studies and Practice
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department of Physician Assistantship Studies

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

This is the third school created. It is located on the Dawhenya campus.^[10] It was established in October 2006)^[3]

Department of Communication Studies
Department of Environment and Development Studies
Department of English Language
Department of Economics
Department of French
Department of Psychology
Department of Sociology
Department of social Works

School of Graduate Studies and Research===

Master of Business Administration programme with a duration of 18 calendar months. Designed to provide an intensive quality post-graduate education in business and management within a supportive collaborative environment. An intensive foreign language training programme (French and Chinese) as well as a Personal Professional Development Programme of study is

Campuses

The university occupies the following campus locations

Miotso (permanent campus)

This consists of expanding number of structures on the 248-acre (1.00 km²) plot of land. It houses the new 'face' of CU. Miotso is 58.2 km away from Accra Central. This permanent campus accommodates the Central Business School, the School of Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Law and The faculty of art and social science. Also the administration section of the University College is also located there.

Mataheko Campus

The Mataheko campus is located in the heart of Accra near Kaneshie. The university has four campuses located within the Mataheko area for lecture halls and administrative offices. These campuses serve also the Central Business School and Administration and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Christ Temple Graduate School Campus

This campus houses the Graduate School of Business which runs the Master of Business Administration programme with duration of eighteen calendar months. Designed to provide an intensive quality post-graduate education in business and management within a supportive collaborative environment.

Kumasi Campus

The Kumasi campus is located at Calvary Charismatic Church (CCC) close to the KNUST and Ayigya Police Station.

Affiliations

Memberships

Central University College is a member of the Association of African Universities (AAU))

Students' union

Central University College's Student Representative Council operates mainly from the Miotso campus. The various class representatives serve as contacts on the various campuses.

People

List of chancellors

Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil (1997–Present)

List of presidents

Rev. Kingsley Larbi – 1998 to 2003
P. Y. Gadzekpo FGA 2004 to 2012
Kwesi Yankah – 2012 to 2017
Bill Buenar Puplampu – 2017 to date^[13]

List of registrars

Johnson Kanda (1998–2008)
J. F. Odartey Blankson (2009–2011)
Emil Afenyo (2016 – to date)^[14]

List of vice-presidents

K. Oduro Afriyie – Academic (2006–2012)
J. F. Odartey Blankson – Finance and Administration (2011 – 2016)

List of notable alumni

Nathan Kwabena Adisi, broadcaster
Yvonne Nelson, actress
Adina, musician
Elvis Agyemang, Pastor @ Grace Mountain Ministries - Alpha Hour

References

External links

Universities in Ghana

Universities in Ghana
Public university	University of Ghana University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University for Development Studies University of Mines and Technology University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Energy and Natural Resources
Private university	Valley View University Regional Maritime University Ashesi University Central University
University college	African University College of Communications All Nations University Baptist University College Catholic University College of Ghana Christian Service University College Evangelical Presbyterian University College Garden City University College Ghana Telecom University College Islamic University College, Ghana Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University College Presbyterian University College Regent University College of Science and Technology University College of Management Studies Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College Accra Institute of Technology University of Media, Arts and Communication

Association of African Universities

Association of African Universities
Algeria	Algiers 1 University Constantine 1 University Oran 1 University Université Badji Mokhtar d'Annaba Université des sciences et de la technologie d'Oran Université Des Sciences Islamiques University of Ouargla University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene
Angola	Agostinho Neto University
Benin	African University For Cooperative Development Edexcel University Poma International Business University Université de Parakou University of Abomey-Calavi
Botswana	Botho University Botswana Accountancy College Botswana International University of Science and Technology Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources New Era College Of Arts, Science And Technology University of Botswana
Burkina Faso	Institut International d'Ingénierie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement Institut Supérieur d’Informatique et de Gestion L'Université Aube Nouvelle Nazi Boni University University of Ouagadougou
Burundi	École normale supérieure de Bujumbura University of Burundi
Cameroon	Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Travaux Publics De Yaoundé Institut Universitaire du Golfe de Guinée Maflekumen Higher Institute Of Health Sciences Pan African Institute for Development – West Africa University of Bamenda University of Buea University of Douala University of Dschang University of Maroua University of Ngaoundéré University of Yaoundé I
Cape Verde	Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde
Central African Republic	EUCLID University of Bangui
Chad	University of N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	Marien Ngouabi University
Cote D'Ivoire	Agitel - Formation École nationale supérieure de statistique et d'économie appliquée Institut universitaire d'Abidjan International University of Grand-Bassam Pigier Côte d'Ivoire Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny Université Nangui-Abrogoua Université Pelefero Gon Coulibaly Université Tertiaire et Technologique LOKO
Democractic Republic of the Congo	Catholic University of Bukavu Université catholique du Congo Université Loyola du Congo Université Simon Kimbangu University of Kinshasa University of Kisangani University of Lubumbashi
Egypt	Ain Shams University Al-Azhar University Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Alexandria University Benha University Cairo University Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology Egyptian e-Learning University Helwan University Mansoura University Matrouh University Menoufia University Minya University Misr University for Science and Technology October 6 University Pharos University in Alexandria South Valley University Suez Canal University Tanta University The American University in Cairo The British University in Egypt University of Sadat City Zagazig University
Eritrea	University of Asmara
Eswatini	University of Eswatini
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Addis Ababa University Bule Hora University Ethiopian Civil Service University Haramaya University Hawassa University Jimma University Mekelle University St. Mary's University Wollega University
Gabon	Omar Bongo University Université Des Sciences & Techniques De Masuku
Ghana	Accra Institute of Technology Accra Technical University African University College of Communications All Nations University Ashesi University Bluecrest University College Central University Dominion University College George Grant University of Mines and Technology Ghana Institute of Languages Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration Koforidua Technical University Kumasi Technical University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Methodist University College Ghana Pentecost University Presbyterian University College Radford University College Regent University College of Science and Technology Regional Maritime University University for Development Studies University of Cape Coast University of Education, Winneba University of Energy and Natural Resources University of Ghana University of Health and Allied Sciences University of Professional Studies University of Media, Arts and Communication Valley View University Wisconsin International University College Zenith University College
Kenya	African Virtual University Catholic University of Eastern Africa Daystar University Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Egerton University International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenyatta University Maseno University Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Moi University Mount Kenya University Multimedia University of Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Strathmore University Umma University University of Eldoret University of Nairobi
Lesotho	National University of Lesotho
Liberia	Cuttington University Stella Maris Polytechnic University United Methodist University
Libya	Al Asmarya University for Islamic Sciences Al Zawiya University Misurata University Sabha University University of Al-Jabal Al Gharbi University of Benghazi University of Tripoli
Madagascar	University of Antsiranana University of Antananarivo University of Fianarantosoa University of Mahajanga University of Toamasina University of Toliara
Malawi	DMI-St. John the Baptist University Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Malawi University of Science and Technology UNICAF University of Malawi
Mali	University of Bamako
Mauritania	University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya
Mauritius	Open University of Mauritius University of Mauritius University of Technology, Mauritius
Morocco	Mohammed First University Mohammed V University University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mozambique	Catholic University of Mozambique Eduardo Mondlane University Maputo University Zambeze University
Namibia	International University of Management Namibia University of Science and Technology University of Namibia
Niger	Abdou Moumouni University Higher Institute of Mining, Industry and Geology Maryam Abacha American University Niger
Nigeria	Abia State University Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Adamawa State University Ahmadu Bello University Al-Hikmah University Babcock University Bayero University Bells University of Technology Bowen University Crawford University Delta State University, Abraka Ebonyi State University Federal University of Technology, Minna Federal University of Technology, Owerri Federal University of Technology, Yola Gombe State University Kogi State University Kwara State University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Open University of Nigeria Niger Delta University Nnamdi Azikiwe University Osun State University Pan-Atlantic University Redeemer's University Rivers State University University of Abuja University of Africa University of Agriculture, Abeokuta University of Agriculture, Makurdi University of Benin University of Calabar University of Ibadan University of Ilorin University of Lagos University of Port Harcourt University of Uyo Usman Dan Fodio University
Rwanda	Université Nationale du Rwanda
Sierra Leone	Njala University University of Sierra Leone
Somalia	Benadir University East Africa University Puntland State University
South Africa	Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology Council on Higher Education Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University North-West University Rhodes University University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State University of Limpopo University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand Walter Sisulu University
South Sudan	University of Juba
Sudan	El Imam El Mahdi University National College for Medical and Technical Studies Omdurman Ahlia University Red Sea University University of Bakht er Ruda University of Dalanj University of Science and Technology
Tanzania	Ardhi University Muslim University of Morogoro Mzumbe University St. Augustine University of Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania University of Dar es Salaam Zanzibar University
The Gambia	University of the Gambia
Togo	Université de Kara Université de Lomé
Uganda	Busitema University Uganda Christian University Uganda Management Institute Uganda Martyrs University
Zambia	Cavendish University Copperbelt University Mulungushi University University of Lusaka College University of Zambia Zambian Open University
Zimbabwe	Africa University Bindura University of Science Education Chinhoyi University of Technology Great Zimbabwe University Harare Institute of Technology Lupane State University Midlands State University National University of Science and Technology University of Zimbabwe Women’s University in Africa Zimbabwe Open University