ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND AUTONOMY IN THE UNIVERSITIES: PAST AND PRESENT

Abstract

Academic freedom and autonomy have since mediaeval times been considered the hubs on which critical and independent thinking revolved. Men like Socrates, Copernicus, Galileo and Bertrand Russell suffered many indignities in defence of these ideals. Hiring and firing Vice-Chancellors always raise the issue of the freedom of universities to choose their teachers and operate within their ivory towers without any interference. . This work defines academic freedom and autonomy and carefully details how university councils, academic boards and other committees have resisted outside intrusions into these cherished ideals. Attempts to influence the conduct and ca- reer progression of university staff appear to be due partly to the censoriousness of dons and the failure by outside bodies to appreciate the nature and roles of universities in national development. The many retired vice-chancellors and pro- fessors elected or appointed to the Council of State to advise presidents in Ghana clearly point to the recognition of highly educated persons as better positioned to make the right choices in national affairs. The unsuccessful onslaughts on the freedom and autonomy of universities have only called for more consultations and collaboration between governments and university leaderships to harmonise scholastic pursuits with national goals and aspirations. While one cannot expect governments as financiers of public univer- sities to look on unconcerned about what happens inside its universities, an ap- preciation of each others expectations and roles can harness national develop- ment without any players feeling traumatized and befuddled. Increased partici- pation of academics in partisan politics and scrupulous regard for merit and committee work in universities will not only improve government understanding of universities, but also create peaceful industrial atmospheres in universities to render both interference and censure unnecessary.