UEW Staff Sensitised on Strategic Planning

A cross section of participants present at the Winneba Campus

The 2019-2023 Corporate Strategic Plan Development Committee of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has organised a ‘Strategic Planning Sensitisation’ workshop for staff of the University.

The 2014-2018 Corporate Strategic Plan of UEW ends in December, 2018; thus, to fill the vacuum within that period, the Management of UEW constituted a Strategic Plan Development Committee (SPDC) to develop a new Strategic Plan for the next five years (2019-2023).     

The sensitisation workshop which was meant to discuss, share ideas, prepare, create awareness and solicit inputs into the new Strategic Plan summoned Deans/Directors, Heads of Departments/Section/Units, Senior Members (teaching and non-teaching), Faculty/Departmental Administrators, Faculty/Sectional Accounts/Procurement Officers and the Student Leadership (SRC, DESA and GRASAG Executives).

The workshop was held at all the four campuses (Ajumako, Asante-Mampong, Kumasi and Winneba) of the University from Thursday 21^st June to Wednesday 4^th July, 2018.

Prof. Hayford, Chairman, SPDC and Dean, Faculty of Educational Studies

At the Winneba, Kumasi and Asante-Mampong Campuses, the Chairman of SPDC and Dean of Faculty of Educational Studies, Prof. Samuel Hayford said that Ghana’s educational institutions particularly at the University level were going through the war of competing for students and resources which necessitated the need for the University to strategise well to avoid redundancy.  

“We want this institution’s name to be one that people would look for when their wards or friends are looking for enrolment, job opportunities or want to do something that is connected with education or research; we would want our institution to remain as one of the top institutions that people would look for. Therefore, our duty this morning is to begin to search within our hearts where we want to drive this institution to in the next five years.” He noted. 

During the Ajumako session, Lecturer, Department of Educational Administration and Management, Prof. Salome Essuman who acted as chair for the occasion indicated that there was the need to develop a new plan for the University and that new plan should not be done haphazardly but through sensitisation, consultation and collaboration to bring on board every stakeholder.

Dr. Ananga presenting at the Winneba Campus

There was a presentation led by the Ag. Director, Externally Funded Projects Office, Dr. Eric Daniel Ananga and assisted by Deputy Registrar and Head, Department of Publishing and Web Development, Mr. Jerry Addison Anyan at the various campuses.

The lead facilitator, Dr. Ananga took participants through what Strategic Planning meant and its purpose, components and challenges. He also touched on setting Strategic Plan targets, indicators and accountability framework, Strategic Plan roadmap and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Treats) analysis.

Mr. Anyan, Deputy Registrar and Head, Department of Publishing and Web Development

Mr. Anyan reviewed the themes of the three previous Strategic Plans of UEW from 2003 to 2018. He pointed out the achievements and challenges of those Strategic Plans and also spoke on proposed themes for the 2019-2023 Corporate Strategic Plan.

The presentation ended with an open forum for sharing of ideas and contributions. At the end of the presentation on each campus, participants were urged to meet as Faculties, Departments, Sections and Units to brainstorm, develop SWOT analysis for their Departments and outline key objectives and strategies for the next five years which would be collated and incorporated into the next plan by the committee.

Members of the University expressed delight about the grassroots approach adopted by the committee to solicit their inputs into the new Strategic Plan.

“Be Creative to Generate your own Opportunities” – Prof. E. N. Abakah

Prof. E. N. Abakah, Chairman of UEW Governing Council

The Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Prof. Emmanuel Nicholas Abakah has charged graduands of the 22^nd Congregation (2^nd Session) to be creative enough to generate their own opportunities.

He said it was incumbent upon them to rightly apply the knowledge and skills they had received in UEW to honestly exploit the existing opportunities to their benefit. He however cautioned that it would be a monumental catastrophe of scandalous proportion should any graduand folds his or her arms mistakenly, thinking that opportunities would come at their bedroom by design.

The Chairman of the Governing Council disclosed this in his welcome address during the 2^nd Session of the 22^nd Congregation held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus, Winneba from Friday, 20^th to Saturday 21^st April, 2018. 

Prof. Abakah urged the graduands to go out there highly self-motivated and contribute their quota to the high-quality developmental agenda of our dear country. He said “as alumni of this great institution, I encourage you to make your alma mater proud by being its respectable ambassadors and also the good teacher that it has trained you to be”.

“I, respectfully, advise you to make positive and indelible impacts wherever you may find yourselves always remembering to trust in the Lord God Almighty who gives strength and wisdom. I believe you can make it because you have the God-given talents and besides, the UEW has prepared you adequately to put your talents into honest and cost-effective use.” He said.    

He revealed that “the University Governing Council at its emergency meeting on Thursday, 22^nd February, 2018, deemed it expedient and to, as a matter of urgency, appoint Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, until either the restrained substantive Vice-Chancellor is reinstated or a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed”.

He said the appointment of Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful-Broni became inevitable due to a court action served on the University by six indicted officers of the University seeking, among other things, an injunction on the election of a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

“It became transparently obvious that if not properly addressed, the emergent events were unquestionably going to pose serious challenges to the smooth running of the University. The Governing Council, therefore, deemed it absolutely necessary to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor not only to avert the then looming administrative gaps but also to ensure smooth and effective management and administration processes in the University.” He indicated.

Prof. Abakah underscored that the Council’s unwavering determination to cleanse and sanitize the UEW was waxing stronger even in the midst of the recent needless legal tussles. He assured all stakeholders that the Governing Council would do everything within its powers, even as it shall not spare the minutest hint of effort to ensure that no segment of the University’s operations was jeopardized in any way during that critical period.

UEW Management Strengthens Relationship with Ghana Police

Management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) on Tuesday, 24^th April, 2018 paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Paul Manly Awini to welcome him officially to his post and strengthen relationship between both parties.

The Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq said the purpose for the visit was to appreciate the efforts of the Police Force during the University’s 2^nd Session of the 22^nd Congregation held at Winneba from Friday, 20^th to Saturday 21^st April, 2018. He indicated that UEW security work conjoint with Ghana Police so there was the need to revitalise that relationship as new Regional Commander has emerged.    

“As custom demands, we realised that it will be ideal to pay this courtesy call to express our delight for honouring our invitation to attend the University’s April Congregation. We also want to assure you that UEW will continue to work concurrently with you for the safety of our students as well as the communities which surrounds the institution.” He addressed the Regional Commander.   

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni pointed out that the visit was not premeditated and that they will visit again with the Governing Council. He said “we should have come with the full management but this is a quick welcome to our new commander. We shall arrange with the Governing Council and come in full.” 

Head of University Relations Office (URO) and Media, Ms. Obaapanyin Oforiwaa Adu presented some UEW souvenirs to the Regional Commander and his fellow workers.

DCOP Paul Awini thanked the management of UEW and pledged to provide any support needed by the University and its security force. Present at the visit were Deputy Regional Police Commander (Cape Coast), DCOP Enoch A. Bediako, Central Regional Crime Officer, C/Supt. Reuben Asiwoko and Regional Staff Officer, DSP Hilda Akarimanga.

Registrar, Paul Osei-Brima (left) and Acting VC, Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful-Broni  

Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Paul Awini

Ms. Obaapanyin Adu presenting UEW souvenirs to the Central Regional Police Commander

Government to Partner UEW in TVET Programmes – H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice-President of the Republic

The Government of the Republic of Ghana has expressed its readiness to partner the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in its Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes. 

This was made known by the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Saturday, 21^st April, 2018 during the 2^nd Session of the 22^nd Congregation at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus, Winneba. 

Dr. Bawumia hinted that in the quest of Government to transform the economy through industrialization, there should be reforms in the TVET sector. He revealed that it was the plan of Government to set up a TVET council and TVET service and dedicate a whole division of the education service to technical and vocational education, which would have its own Director General.

“I am told that University of Education, Winneba currently serves as the only university in the West African sub region which has the mandate and capacity to train teachers in technical and vocational education through Competency-Based Training (CBT). Government is therefore ever prepared to partner with you, UEW in its TVET programmes.” He asserted. 

The Vice-President reiterated that Government was embarking on a new programme which would be launched on 1^st May, 2018 by the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He said the project was named the Nation Builders Corps and it was to supplement all the other programmes run by the Youth Employment Agency and the others. He added that graduates would be hired for that project.    

“You have seven modules that are going to be outdoored: The Feed Ghana module where you want to have people who would go in as agric extension officers to help our farmers. We also have the Governance Ghana module where people will be attached to various local authorities. We are beginning this and this year by the grace of God we will be recruiting 100,000 graduates.” Dr. Bawumia indicated.

The Second Gentleman of the land advised the graduands to be selfless, dedicated, visionary, and result driven leaders who would desist from corruption. He therefore, challenged them to imbibe those values.

“These values will help us realize Ghana’s current vision of ‘Ghana beyond Aid’. You must be different! Go as ambassadors with a mission and a mandate. Go and change your world.” He addressed the graduands.

In his Welcome Address, Chairman of UEW Governing Council, Prof. Emmanuel Nicholas Abakah underscored that the Council’s unwavering determination to cleanse and sanitize the UEW was waxing stronger even in the midst of the recent needless legal tussles. He assured all stakeholders that the Governing Council would do everything within its powers, even as it shall not spare the minutest hint of effort to ensure that no segment of the University’s operations was jeopardized in any way during that critical period.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni recounted that lighting at the various campuses had improved tremendously within the period under review. He revealed that over 300 street lights had been installed at the three Winneba campuses (North, Central and South).  

“The University is grateful to the Government, through the Minister of Energy, for the innovative support that he facilitated for us. Also, our classrooms, lecture theatres, libraries, reading rooms and dormitories are much better lit just as we have repaired and/ or added on to our ceiling fans and air conditioners.” He said.

On Friday, 20^th and Saturday, 21^st April, 2018, the Winneba Campus graduated a total of 3,148 graduands made up of 655 post-graduate students from the School of Graduate Studies, Faculties of Educational Studies, Foreign Languages Education and Communication and 2,493 undergraduate students from 17 study centres namely: Accra Academy, Accra Attraco, Asamankese, Assin Fosu, Axim, Cape Coast, Dambai, Denu, Ho, Koforidua, Hohoe, Krobo Odumasi, Sekondi, Sogakope, Tarkwa, Tema and Winneba.

An additional 4,434 students will be graduating at Asante Mampong and Kumasi campuses respectively on Thursday, 26^th, Friday, 27^th and Saturday, 28^th April, 2018.

In attendance were the Central Regional Minister and Police Commander, Hon. Kwamena Duncan, DCOP Paul Manly Awini, Member of Parliament, Effutu, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Municipal Chief Excutive, Mr. John B. Ninson, Omanhene of Effutu and Ajumako Traditional Areas, Neenyi Ghartey VII, Okokodurfo Nana Kwamena Hammah Ababio II, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Kagya-Agyemang, Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq, University Librarian, Mr. Viscount B. Buer and other University officials.

“Don’t Sacrifice your Salvation for Worldly Pleasures” – Apostle Ohene-Kyei

The Winneba Area Head of the Church of Pentecost (COP), Apostle Professor Peter Ohene-Kyei has warned the youths of the church not to sacrifice their salvation for the pleasures of the world.

He said that Jesus Christ died on the cross to wipe away all of their sins for once and He wants them to remain righteous till He finally returns for judgment.  “Jesus shall come again and this time not for salvation but for judgment; remember that He has saved you once, so if you refuse to comply with His rules then you forfeit that salvation.” He cautioned.  

Apostle Professor Ohene-Kyei said this on Sunday 1^st April, 2018 during the climax of the 2018 Easter Convention at the Don Bosco School Park, Winneba. The five-day convention was held under the theme “He is not here; He is risen as He promised” (Luke 24:6).

The Area Head pointed out to the youths some of the worldly pleasures that they sacrifice with their salvation. He said “a lot of people are taking Christianity for a joke these days. I cannot imagine people preferring to watch football matches instead of going to church. If you are a youth and you know that you are fond of doing that, then you better advise yourself before it will be too late.

“Again, television programmes are preventing lots of people from serving God properly. Some people are so addicted to certain programmes to the extent that they cannot even afford to miss just a scene or episode; may God have mercy on us.” He appealed.

The former Rector of Pentecost University College (PUC) reiterated that the return of Christ would surely come to pass just as it became a reality when He said that He would die and resurrect on the third day.  He however encouraged every believer not to fear death since Christ had already conquered death with the resurrection power.

“The resurrection demonstrates the sovereign power Christ has over death so, do not be afraid of death; Christ shall resurrect us so never fear death. Whatever He has said about you shall come to pass and until that is fulfilled, you shall not die. Therefore, be serious, vigilant and worship God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” He said.

The five-day event featured six districts from Winneba Zone of the Winneba Area. The Districts are Winneba, Abasraba, Ansaful, Low-Cost, Potsin and Gyahadze.

135 UEW Students Benefit Maiden Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Fund

Some of the beneficiaries in a group picture with the Scholarship Committee Members at the Winneba Campus

A total of 135 out of 452 applicants qualified for the maiden Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund (VCSF) for brilliant but needy students.

The Scholarship Scheme was launched in 2016 to provide financial support to students of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), from low-income background to create an opportunity for them to have access to higher education.

The awards started on Friday 16^th March, 2018 where two students were honoured at the Ajumako campus during the Grand Durbar of the Maiden Cultural Week celebration. It proceeded to the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) from March 20-21, 2018 which saw 40 beneficiaries. On Thursday 22^nd March, 2018, 13 students received their awards at the Mampong campus whereas the Winneba campus recorded 80 beneficiaries on Monday 26^th and Tuesday 27^th March, 2018.

Prof. Asiedu-Addo, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee

During the Winneba session, the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Science Education, Prof. Asiedu-Addo advised beneficiaries to study hard to maintain their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) or better it to keep enjoying the scholarship till completion. 

Addressing the beneficiaries shortly before the presentation in Kumasi, the newly appointed Acting Principal of COLTEK, Prof. Frederick Kwaku Sarfo encouraged them to see the award as the important beginnings of their greatness.

“You need to keep working very hard to justify this award. It would be unfortunate if you went to squander this money on things that would not have a direct bearing on your academics. Instead of buying mobile phones and call credit, use this money to buy books and your sustenance while on campus.” Prof. Sarfo admonished the awardees.

The Acting Principal congratulated them for going through the rigorous selection processes and hoped that the token would spur them on to study harder.

Each beneficiary received an amount of GHS 1,000.00 from the coffers of the University. They were among hundreds of the University’s students who applied to the fund during the 2016/2017 academic year.

A couple of years ago, Management of UEW came to the realisation that some brilliant students of the University were facing serious financial challenges that was impacting adversely on their academics. It therefore set up the VCSF, three years ago, as a way of helping out such students and also honouring its responsibility to society.

The scholarship is opened to all students of UEW but candidates must show proof of academic excellence and also indicate clearly that they are in financial difficulties to qualify for the support. Moreover, in order not for awardees to relax on their studies once they win the award, the scholarship has been designed such that they would have to show proof of consistent academic excellence every year in order for the scholarship to be renewed.

Source: Godlove KB Tetteh and COLTEK Media

“Performing Arts is the Face of Every Nation” – PATAG President

Mr. Edu, PATAG President

The President of the Performing Arts Teachers Association of Ghana (PATAG), Mr. Johnson Edu has called on the government and stakeholders to invest in Performing Arts to aid national growth.  

He said Michael Jackson became a hit in the US because America considered Performing Arts as the face of the nation. He added that “let us create a course that will be enviable to the whole nation since our field is the face of every nation”.

Mr. Edu said this on Wednesday 21^st March, 2018 during a workshop for teachers handling subjects under Performing Arts at the Central Campus of the University of Education, Winneba.  

He revealed that the workshop was to retool the whole National Educational Curriculum Framework system, make government know the role of Performing Arts and let individuals know PATAG’s contributions to the new policy framework. He said “We need to identify creative ways of doing things; that is the teaching and learning of Performing Arts, Music and Dance Theatre and even the Visual Arts”.  

The President of PATAG pointed out that the workshop was also to have basic ideas of understanding children, students and learners as far as their inclinations or psychological beliefs were concerned adding, “if we get to know their temperamental traits then we can better place them within their learning scope”.

He however called on all members to nurture students and also come out with laudable ideas that could be incorporated into the new policy framework. He said “you and I would have to contribute to that. We need not to sit down for some group of consultative members to put together the whole idea, release it and you cannot even work with it. But if you have a part to play in this whole national creed then you can push it with confidence, hope, passion and dedication”.

Dr. deGraft Yankson, Dean, School of Creative Arts

The Dean of School of Creative Arts, Dr. Patrique deGraft Yankson who gave the welcome address said Ghana was failing in terms of educational aspirations. He hinted that in spite of several educational reforms in the post-independent Ghana, the nation’s educational systems continue to be delusive of true Ghanaian values that would have prepared the citizenry to appropriately take up their future roles in society.

The one day workshop was chaired by former Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Cosmos Mereku and emceed by a lecturer and the General Secretary, PATAG, Dr. Kwasi Amponsah. Also in attendance were lecturers at the Department of Theatre Arts and teachers from Basic and High schools.   

“Let’s Ignite the Power in Women for Development” - GMD

GRASAG Women's Commissioner, Princess Amoh second from left with friends

The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in collaboration with Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) – UEW and National Union of Ghana Students (UEW Chapter) organised a three-day event from  8^th – 10^th March to mark the 2018 International Women’s Day (IWD). 

The launching of this year’s IWD took place on Thursday March 8, under the theme “Igniting the Power of the 21^st Century Ghanaian Woman Towards Nation Building” at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus.

Dr. Andy Birinkorang speaking on the theme

Speaking on the theme, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages Education and Communication, Dr. Andy Birinkorang said, the power in women would be ignited to ensure that Ghanaian women also contribute their quota towards nation building.

“No country would ever develop if it leaves its women behind; all the countries that have developed have carried its women along. Therefore, as long as Ghana decides that women are inferior and should be left for the kitchen and other domestic activities, we will not develop.” He said.

The launching also saw the presence of the Dean of Graduate Studies, Prof. George Kankam as the Chairman, Deputy Registrar, Division of Human Resource, Mrs. Deborah Afful as a representative from the Registry, 1^st Runner-Up of TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2017, Helena Baaba Botchway and female students from various institutions in Winneba.

Prof. George Kankam

In his response, Prof. George Kankam indicated that the theme had been carefully selected to put forward the capability of the Ghanaian woman in nation building.

“As a University, this theme is to help eliminate gender inequality and to continue bridging the gap in gender issues. The University of Education, Winneba prides herself as one of the higher educational institutions in Ghana that is strongly committed to promoting gender mainstreaming for which it has a Gender Mainstreaming Directorate charged to spearhead the University’s gender activities.” He said.  

Mrs. Deborah Afful

In a speech read on behalf of the Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq, it was stated that the UEW theme was well thought out as a means of pressing for progress for women in UEW and the dear nation at large.

“The global theme is ‘Press for Progress; we can’t be Complacent’. UEW has chosen the theme ‘Igniting the Power of the 21^st Century Ghanaian Woman Towards Nation Building’ to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Today is a global call to action to speed up effort for gender parity and equality.” The representative noted.

There were Health Screening exercises on Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer and Blood Donation at Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba and a Health and Girls Talk at Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre on Friday 9^th March, 2018. 

The three-day event ended on Saturday 10^th March, 2018 with Aerobics and Sports Fiesta at UEW Hand Ball Court, North Campus. 

1st Runner-Up of Ghana's Most Beautiful 2017, Baaba (middle) and some participants 

Blood Donation Exercise

CoLANGE Observes 2018 IMLD in Grand Style

Performing the Adowa Dance

It all joy and excitement when the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) College of Languages Education (CoLANGE) observed the 2018 International Mother Language Day (IMLD) festivity at the Ajumako Campus with rich Ghanaian cultural displays and speeches. 

The event which took place on Wednesday 21^st February, 2018 was held under the theme “Preserving Linguistic Diversity and Promoting Multilingualism to Support the SDGs”.

Prof. Anyidoho delivering the Keynote Address

In her keynote address, a former lecturer of Linguistics at the University of Ghana (UG), Prof. Akosua Anyidoho expressed delight to be a part of the celebration. Explaining multilingualism and linguistic diversity, Prof. Anyidoho said multilingualism was a state of many languages therefore there was the need to embrace diversity in culture and languages. She added that language encompasses a complex implication for identity.

“Identity is not all about what one wears and eats but it goes deeper than that. It provides the well-being of individuals and it also provides their mark for success. Identity is very vital in everything that we do. Thus, it is important for communication and social integration.” She said.

Prof. Nsoh giving the Welcome Address

The Principal of CoLANGE, Prof. Ephraim Avea Nsoh cautioned Ghanaians to desist from the habit of mocking students who study Ghanaian languages and cultures at the tertiary level. He however encouraged every student of CoLANGE to be proud and also urged them to create awareness anytime 21^st February approaches.

“This day is a very important day for us. It is a day to tell us to begin to rethink our culture and language. A day to rethink our own identity and what we stand for as an institution, individuals and people offering Ghanaian languages. It is an important day that we need to create awareness amongst ourselves in trying to understand that there is the need to coexist as groups, institutions, languages and cultures, community, political parties and all other groupings whether social, political or religion.” The Principal said.

Dr. Owu-Ewie telling the Purpose of Gathering

The Dean of the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education (FGLE), CoLANGE, Dr. Charles Owu-Ewie lambasted students for showing up late and advised them to refrain from the act as they are being trained to become responsible and time conscious teachers and professionals.

“One thing that we need to do as a Faculty and as students is to be strong advocates of Language of Education in Ghana. We cannot sit down and let people do the advocacy for us. Therefore, we have to do it ourselves and let people know.” Dr. Owu-Ewie said.

Mr. Andrews Quaye, a representative from the Ministry of Education

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Andrews Quaye (a representative from the Ministry of Education) indicated that Ghana was committed to the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4/7 which promotes the concept of global citizenship while recognising cultural diversity and culture’s contribution towards sustainable development.

There were exuberant cultural displays and pleasurable poetry recitals from the Departments of Gur-Gonja Education, Ewe Education, Akan-Nzema Education and Ga-Dangme Education.

A student introducing Prof. Anyidoho with drum language  

Performance from the Dept. of Ga-Dangme Education

Performance from the Dept. of Ewe Education

Performance from the Dept. of Akan-Nzema Education

Performance from the Dept. of Gur-Gonja Education

A student of the Dept. of Akan-Nzema Education reciting a poem

A student of the Dept. of Ewe Education performing

Poetry recital in Ga

Tribute to the Indisputable Dancehall Diva, Ebony

CIP Gives Solution to Internationalising Ghanaian Universities

The Centre for International Programmes (CIP) on Wednesday 7^th February, 2018 held a workshop titled “Internationalisation at UEW” on the theme “Internationalisation of Universities in Ghana” at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus. 

Giving the purpose of the workshop, Dean of International Programmes, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo began with a quote from Longview Foundation: 2018 which says “We seek to weave global competence into the fabric of school and teacher experiences to engage and inspire the people living in them to want to connect more meaningfully to the world”. Using that quotation as his prelude, he welcomed everyone to the maiden workshop on   Internationalisation of Universities in Ghana with focus on the UEW.  

He noted that CIP was expected to handle the University’s international relations and programmes. Therefore in order to carry out that mandate diligently, it had been in the forefront of the University’s internationalisation programme. He added that CIP leads and coordinates the University’s activities in international image building and helps in promoting goodwill between UEW and its international stakeholders.

“A number of linkages have been established with foreign universities and other institutions for mutual benefit. CIP is collaborating with other Departments to run programmes for international students while facilitating collaborative research and exchange of staff and students. In addition, CIP has teamed up with various Departments to promote and support international academic conferences and workshops.” The Dean of International Programmes revealed.   

The workshop saw presentations from pioneers of various academies such as the Dean of International Programmes, University of Ghana (UG), Prof. Ama de-Graft Aikins, Associate Prof. of Education and Coordinator of the K-12 Special Education, Tiece M. Ruffin, former Dean for International Relation and Past Dean of the Faculty of Social Science Education, UEW, Prof. Yaw Ofusu-Kusi and a Researcher at the Centre for Educational Policy Studies (CEPS), UEW, Dr. Edison Pajibo.

Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo, Dean of International Programmes, UEW

Starting the presentation was Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo on the topic “Internationalisation: UEW’s Experience”. His presentation sought to place International Programmes within the context of the history, mission and vision as well as the strategic plan of the University. It also discussed the development of internationalisation with attention to its organisation, threats, challenges, hopes and aspirations. It eventually focused on their current internationalisation activities, plans and winded up on the need for that workshop and its expected place in making UEW an internationally reputable institution for teacher education and research.

Associate Prof. Tiece M. Ruffin

Associate Prof. Tiece Ruffin spoke on the topic “Faculty Internationalisation”. Her presentation posed questions such as whether students of UEW were prepared to traverse and thrive in today’s interconnected world, do students possess the requisite skills to be globally competitive in the 21^st century. She gave solutions to her questions by indicating that 21^st century students should be globally ready and competent in order to be competitive. She added that they must have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to engage in the world effectively and responsibly.

Dr. Edison Pajibo

Dr. Edison Pajibo gave the third presentation on “University Internationalisation”.  He said that knowing the trends of globalisation, it was now obvious that preparing university students for the job market with relevant knowledge and skills that could be transferred across sectors and borders had become imperative and the best medium by which those skills could be nurtured was through international study experiences.

Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi

Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi took members through “Student Internationalisation” while Prof Ama de-Graft Aikins ended the session with a presentation on the theme for the workshop “Internationalisation of Universities in Ghana”.

Professor Ama de-Graft Aikins, Dean of International Programmes, UG

Prof. de-Graft Aikins defined internationalisation as “the policies undertaken by academic systems and institutions and even individuals to cope with the global academic environment”. She said that all universities with ambitions towards world-class research status had internationalisation policies and units, that drive, review and update context-specific policies.

“Various university ranking systems, such as the Times Higher Education (THE), include international outlook (of staff, students and research) as a key pillar of education excellence”. She said.

Her presentation discussed the gaps and tensions between the theory and practice of internationalisation through three case studies: developing and managing multi-site research partnerships, supporting multi-cultural students communities and designing equitable mobility schemes. 

She concluded with reflections on global best practice models for bridging the gap between internationalisation theory and practice in Ghanaian Universities.  

The workshop was chaired by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, UEW, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni. Also present at the event were the Registrar, UEW, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq, University Librarian Mr. Viscount Buer, Senior Assistant Registrar, CIP, Mr. Andy Agordah, Deans, Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Administrators of the University.