Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson Calls for Institutionalised Student Experience Surveys Across African Universities
University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Professor of Marketing, Robert Ebo Hinson, has called on African universities to institutionalise student experience surveys as a core tool for improving higher education delivery and institutional responsiveness. Speaking at the 2026 Student Experience Conference held at the University of Ghana, Prof. Hinson urged higher education institutions across the continent to move beyond traditional academic performance indicators and deliberately integrate student feedback into governance and quality assurance systems.
He emphasised that student experience data should not be treated as a supplementary exercise, but as a strategic resource for institutional development and continuous improvement. “Please go and commission your first-ever university-wide student experience benchmark survey,” Prof. Hinson urged. He explained that structured feedback mechanisms would enable universities to better understand students lived realities and use that information to improve teaching, learning environments, and support services. Prof. Hinson further stressed that institutions that actively listen to students are more likely to enhance service quality, strengthen engagement, and improve overall academic outcomes. “Feedback should not be episodic; it should become part of how universities govern and improve,” he added.
According to him, embedding student voice into institutional culture is essential for ensuring accountability and keeping African universities competitive within a rapidly evolving global higher education landscape. His remarks contribute to ongoing conversations on strengthening higher education systems across Africa through evidence-based management practices and student-centred approaches, reinforcing the growing importance of student experience as a key measure of institutional effectiveness and excellence.
Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Cudjoe, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, outlined several ongoing institutional interventions aimed at improving student experience on campus. He noted that the University’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan places strong emphasis on student experience, with key initiatives including the establishment of “hotspot comfort zones” across campus to provide students with reliable Wi-Fi, study spaces, and rest areas. He further disclosed that three such hotspots have already been commissioned this year. He also highlighted the rollout of the “One Student, One Laptop” initiative as part of efforts to enhance digital access and learning.
The UG Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President, Richmond Ofori Larbi, also reaffirmed the SRC’s commitment to improving teaching and learning through innovation and stakeholder collaboration. He stressed the need for responsiveness, accountability, and consistent engagement with student needs, noting the importance of ensuring student voices are integrated into decision-making processes.