Professor Robert Ebo Hinson has called on African universities to prioritise student experience, arguing that it is critical to institutional reputation, alumni philanthropy, graduate employability and efforts to curb brain drain across the continent.
Delivering the keynote address at the UG Student Experience Conference held at the University of Ghana under the theme “Transforming Student Experience through Service Excellence and Innovation,” Prof. Hinson said universities that invest in students’ welfare and overall campus experience are more likely to attract lifelong support from their graduates.
Drawing on his experience in the United States, he cited Harvard University’s fundraising success as evidence of the long-term value of investing in students.
“I was in America when Harvard was raising funds. The university set out to raise 6.5 billion dollars but eventually raised 9.8 billion dollars in five years. That kind of support is a function of the student experience when they were there,” he said.
According to Prof. Hinson, graduates who feel respected, supported and valued during their years at university are more likely to become ambassadors for their institutions and contribute to their growth long after graduation.
“If we support them, they become ambassadors and walking billboards for the university. Even if they cannot personally donate millions, they may one day chair organisations that will support their alma mater,” he stated.
Prof. Hinson outlined four reasons why universities should make student experience a strategic priority: strengthening institutional reputation, reducing Africa’s brain drain, encouraging alumni philanthropy and improving graduate employability.
He warned that poor student experiences, including bureaucratic delays, inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula and weak student support systems, discourage talented students and contribute to the migration of skilled graduates.
“Student experience is not merely a quality-of-life issue. It is a continental development strategy,” he emphasised.
The professor further urged universities to invest in building strong relationships with alumni instead of relying predominantly on research grants for institutional funding.
“The most sustainable long-term funding diversification strategy for universities is a loyal, engaged and financially generous alumni base. That loyalty is built during the student years, not after graduation,” he said.
Prof. Hinson also advocated stronger career services, mentorship programmes, industry partnerships and internship opportunities to improve graduate employability and better prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace.
The conference brought together higher education leaders, faculty members, students and administrators from more than 20 tertiary institutions across Ghana to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing student experience through service excellence and innovation.
No Comment! Be the first one.