Provost in a group photograph with faculty members from the Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies after the interaction
The Provost of the University of Ghana College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, has wrapped up a series of year-end engagements with faculty members across all constituent schools and departments. These interactions, a hallmark of his leadership, are traditionally held at the beginning and end of each year. However, this end of year’s engagement was particularly significant, marking the near end of the first cycle of his tenure and offered an opportunity to reflect on the College’s progress under his leadership.
Provost in a group photograph with faculty members from the Department of Distance Education after the interaction
In a comprehensive review, Professor Codjoe outlined key achievements and challenges since assuming office, highlighting advancements in infrastructure, teaching, research, stakeholder engagements and academic development. While acknowledging the College’s prior successes in teaching and academic programmes, he detailed a strategic vision that has driven significant growth, even amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provost in a group photograph with Faculty members from the Department of Information Studies after the interaction
Provost in a group photograph with Faculty members from the Department of Communication Studies after the interaction
Provost (1st from right) during his interaction with faculty members from the Department of Educational Studies and Leadership
Infrastructure Development
One of the cornerstones of Professor Codjoe’s tenure has been infrastructure development. Among the notable achievements is the progression of the Digital Youth Hub project. Though conceived and funding predated his tenure, the project was at ground zero when he assumed office. His administration facilitated its progress, from securing land from the University to advancing construction to its current state.
Additionally, a three-story building at the Tema Learning Centre was completed under his leadership, alongside the renovation of a nine-office complex at the old Law Faculty and near-completion of works at the Bolgatanga Learning Centre. Efforts to regularise University of Ghana Learning Centres lands are also ongoing, further strengthening the College’s infrastructure base.
Innovative Teaching
Significant strides in teaching and learning innovation have been achieved under Professor Codjoe’s leadership. With support from the Information Technology Directorate, the College benefited from the provision of proctoring and content management tools, multimedia equipment for content capture and editing and IT gadgets for students. To further enhance resources, 15 laptop computers were donated to the Vice-Chancellor’s “One Student, One Laptop”(1S1L) initiative and plans are currently underway to establish a computer laboratory at the Tema Learning Centre.
Research and Academic Advancements
Professor Codjoe spearheaded a three-pronged strategy to position research as both a major fundraising tool and a driver of academic excellence. This approach has doubled the College’s research grant portfolio, increased grant holders from 3 to 6 and also led to the establishment of 8 departmental research teams. The College hosted 3 major funded projects for the first time in its history and the formation of a College of Education Research and Surveillance Sites (COERSS) is in progress. Additionally, the College Research Week has been integrated into the University’s Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa celebration.
To facilitate faculty promotions through enhanced publication outputs, the College organised annual scientific writing workshops and hosted PhD conferences with paper and poster presentations. The number of non-retired professorial faculty members increased from 3 to 7, with 3 more applications under review. Reports such as the "State of Journalism and Media in Ghana" published by the Department of Communication Studies and the forthcoming "State of Education in Ghana" scheduled to be published next year showcases the College’s research influence. The establishment of the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy has also increased the number of research fellows from 1 to 4.
Enhancing Distance Education
The Distance Education (DE) framework has seen substantial improvements. Two new vehicles were procured, existing ones refurbished and internet facilities at all University of Ghana Learning Centres were upgraded. Fifteen new faculty members have been recruited, with 6 assigned to the Kumasi and Takoradi City Campuses, which admitted their first batch of students in 2023. Tutorial sessions have increased from 5 to 8, transitioning from face-to-face to online formats. Other developments include annual module revisions, a revised DE constitution and increased budgets for visibility and outreach. Graduate DE programmes are set to begin in the 2025/2026 academic year, beginning with MA/MPhil degrees in Educational Technology and Human Resource Development. Plans for accommodation facilities at the Kumasi and Takoradi City Campuses are also underway.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement has been robust, with initiatives like market-driven and professional development programmes, a maiden scholarship scheme instituted and celebratory events such as a pen ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Associate Professors and staff and students’ awards dinner dance instituted as well. Staff capacity-building programmes, the Provost’s Tournament that brings together staff and students of the College as well as staff and students of its affiliated Colleges of Education and the launch of a redesigned College website have further strengthened relationships and visibility.
Looking Ahead
Faculty members commended Professor Codjoe for his leadership and the progress achieved during his tenure while identifying areas for improvement and proposing strategies to address existing challenges.
Reflecting on the progress made, Professor Codjoe stressed the College’s commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration and continuous growth. As his first tenure cycle draws to an end, these accomplishments provide a solid foundation for sustaining and advancing the College’s success.