A group picture of College Management with the PhD students
Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, has disclosed that his outfit is in the process of establishing a Research Centre to attract grants and enhance students' research capabilities. He indicated that when fully established, the centre would attract collaborations in educational research.
Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe made this statement when he held a meeting with PhD students from the School of Continuing and Distance Education and the School of Information and Communication Studies. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for discussing students' progress, sources of funding, experiences, and challenges regarding their PhD programme. He also underscored the College's proactive stance in reshaping the status quo wherein students bear the financial responsibility of their doctoral studies. Furthermore, he mentioned that the intended transformation seeks to provide students with a more conducive learning environment, reaping benefits not only for the College but also for the broader University community.
Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (left) making a point at the meeting, with him are Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah (middle) and Prof. Samuel Amponsah (right)
Additionally, he emphasised on the need for the graduate students to read various articles and journals in other to keep abreast with current literature, which would consequently enable them to explore grey areas and contribute to knowledge.
A picture of some of the PhD students at the meeting
Expressing gratitude for the interaction, the doctoral students called for more of such engagements with College management to facilitate learning, idea-sharing, and candid discussions about their studies. The students also shared their experiences on how they engaged in experiential learning during their studies as well as in collecting data in communities.
Consequently, the students put forth several suggestions aimed at creating a conducive learning environment. These suggestions included the establishment of an Ethical Clearance Committee with expertise in understanding the unique concepts of their research. They also proposed the appointment of a liaison for PhD students who would facilitate communication between them and the Graduate School.
In his closing remarks, the Provost responded to some of the proposed initiatives, he indicated that the College had been assigned a Research Development Officer to support research activities at the College. He assured the students of the College's commitment to supporting their studies and involving them in research projects periodically. He expressed optimism about organising similar discussions to foster ideas and initiatives promoting research and other educational programs within the College of Education.
College officials present at the meeting included Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, Secretary of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Amponsah, Head, Department of Distance Education, Ms. Dorinda Yeboah, Assistant Registrar as well as staff from the Office of the Provost.