The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is promoting affordable online education to help Ghanaian and other African youth overcome barriers to higher education. Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, said online learning could equip young people with skills to compete beyond their local economies. He was speaking at a special televised broadcast in Accra.
Elder Gilbert emphasized that the approach was particularly important in Africa, where a large and growing youth population was entering labour markets with insufficient employment opportunities. He cited BYU-Pathway Worldwide, an online higher education programme operated by the Church, as an example of how technology could expand access to tertiary education. The programme began in Accra in 2011 and had since expanded across Africa.
Nearly 40,000 students are enrolled across West Africa in the BYU-Pathway Worldwide programme. Students can pursue programmes in accounting, project management, social media marketing, digital marketing, and healthcare management. The programme allows students to begin with job-skills certificates before progressing to higher qualifications.
The online structure of the programme reduces some of the costs associated with conventional university education, making higher education more accessible to young people. A bachelor’s degree through BYU-Pathway could cost about one-tenth of the cost of studying in the United States. Church facilities can also provide students with internet connectivity.
The programme is open to people beyond the Church’s membership, allowing young people from different religious backgrounds to benefit. The value of education should be measured by what graduates can do with their qualifications, including securing jobs, establishing businesses, and contributing to their communities.
The initiative aligns with Ghana’s emphasis on linking youth skills development with employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable career opportunities. The growth of remote work could allow skilled Africans to provide services to companies and organisations abroad while remaining on the continent.
Other initiatives have also targeted digital skills, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The Youth Employment Agency and Ghana Digital Centres are training 2,000 young people in high-demand digital skills, with 600 expected to receive paid internships after completing the training.
Key points
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has enrolled nearly 40,000 students across West Africa in its online higher education programme.
- The programme allows students to pursue qualifications in fields such as accounting, project management, and digital marketing.
- The initiative aims to equip Africa’s youth with the capabilities and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the global economy.
