Provost (4th from left) in a group photo the PhD students after the interaction
In a move to address challenges faced by PhD students in the College of Education and to promote academic excellence, the Provost of the College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, recently hosted the end of year annual interaction with PhD students. The interactive session, which has become a hallmark of Prof. Codjoe's tenure, provided a platform for students to share their experiences, discuss challenges and chart a way forward for academic excellence.
During the meeting, students raised several key issues, including limited scholarship opportunities, delays in ethical clearance processes and the nature of critiques during presentations. They called for a more constructive critique culture and suggested involving lecturers from various departments in scholarship committees to enhance their impact. Other concerns included personal struggles, such as insufficient study spaces and difficulties commuting between their respective Schools and the Graduate School without reliable transportation.
In response, Prof. Codjoe stressed the importance of expediting the ethical clearance process and acknowledged the challenges related to funding. He noted the need for improved financial support models for PhD students, linking funding to academic excellence. Subsequently, the Provost highlighted the establishment of the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), which is already hosting three major projects. He added that, faculty members have been encouraged to become affiliate members of the Centre to strengthen research output in the College.
Prof. Codjoe announced a new scholarship scheme instituted by the College and urged students to be on the lookout for upcoming calls for applications. He encouraged them to think creatively when applying for scholarships, including opportunities outside their immediate fields, as broadening their perspectives could open unexpected opportunities.
The Provost also announced the ongoing establishment of the College of Education Research and Surveillance Sites (COERSS), which will provide dedicated spaces for data collection, further enhancing research efforts.
Addressing the suggestion to involve lecturers in scholarship committees, he stressed the need for faculty members with proven expertise to guide the grant process effectively.
Prof. Codjoe acknowledged the pressing need for more study spaces and reassured students that the University's management is working on solutions. For students struggling with thesis development, the Provost advised taking a broad yet discipline-focused approach to ensure their work is both relevant and impactful.
Wrapping up the session, Prof. Codjoe admonished the students to remain resilient in their academic journey. "Work hard, don't give up and strive for excellence, your contributions to knowledge are eagerly awaited by the world" he urged. He further reassured the students of his support and encouraged them not to hesitate to reach out to him whenever they encounter challenges during their period of study.