The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has delivered a strong commendation of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) for its unwavering commitment to teacher training, academic excellence, research innovation and graduate employability, reaffirming the institution’s strategic role in Ghana’s education transformation agenda.
Speaking at the first session of the University’s 30th Congregation held in Winneba, the Minister praised UEW’s forward-looking approach to professional development, digital integration and inclusive pedagogical practices that continue to strengthen Ghana’s human capital base.
UEW Recognised as a Pillar of Teacher Quality and Professional Excellence
In his address, Hon. Iddrisu underscored the indispensable role UEW plays in elevating teacher quality and professional standards across the country. He noted that the university’s mandate goes beyond awarding academic certificates, as it actively produces competent, ethical and innovative educators capable of transforming Ghana’s classrooms and educational institutions.
“You continue to demonstrate leadership in teacher quality enhancement, inclusive education strategies, postgraduate training for the education sector, research into teaching and learning innovations, and mentoring the next generation of educators and administrators,” the Minister stated.
According to him, UEW’s work aligns directly with national priorities aimed at improving learning outcomes, professionalising the teaching profession and expanding technical and vocational education capacity. These objectives, he stressed, are critical to building a resilient, competitive and knowledge-driven economy.
Graduation as a Call to National Service
The congregation ceremony saw 8,288 students graduating from various faculties, including Health and Allied Sciences, Home Economics Education, Business, Science Education, Social Studies and the School of Graduate Studies. The diversity of programmes, the Minister noted, reflects UEW’s broad academic footprint and its responsiveness to national development needs.
Addressing the graduating class, Hon. Iddrisu reminded them that graduation marks the beginning of a greater responsibility to serve society. He urged the new graduates to approach their professional lives with integrity, discipline, humility and a strong sense of purpose.
“Your journey has only just begun,” he said, encouraging them to allow their skills, values and passion for education to guide their contributions wherever they find themselves whether in classrooms, administrative roles, research institutions, community leadership or public service.
Government Commitment to Teacher Development
The Education Minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting institutions that play a critical role in teacher preparation and educational reform. He emphasised that policies aimed at improving teaching quality, expanding access to education and aligning academic training with labour market demands remain a top priority.
He noted that strengthening collaboration between government agencies and universities such as UEW would help ensure that trained teachers are effectively absorbed into the education system and deployed to areas where their expertise is most needed.
UEW’s Vision for Research, Innovation and National Impact
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s recognition and reiterated UEW’s commitment to advancing research, innovation and community engagement.
He highlighted the university’s efforts to contribute meaningfully to national policy discussions, including research on teaching methodologies, language instruction in early education and inclusive learning strategies. According to him, these initiatives position UEW as both an academic institution and a thought leader in Ghana’s education sector.
Professor Mitchual further assured stakeholders that the university remains committed to continuous improvement, collaboration with government and international partners, and the pursuit of academic excellence that responds to societal needs.
Positioning UEW as a Driver of National Development
The Minister’s commendation, observers note, goes beyond ceremonial recognition. It reflects a broader acknowledgement of UEW’s central role in shaping Ghana’s education landscape and producing professionals who drive development across multiple sectors.
By prioritising teacher quality, applied research and graduate relevance, UEW continues to reinforce the idea that a strong education system begins with well-trained and motivated educators.
As Ghana positions itself to compete in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy, institutions like the University of Education, Winneba are expected to remain at the forefront of national transformation not only training teachers, but nurturing leaders, innovators, researchers and policymakers capable of steering the country toward sustainable growth.
