Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe assumed office as the Provost of the College of Education, University of Ghana on August 1, 2022. He engaged in various activities aimed at introducing himself to the College community, sharing his vision, and encouraging interaction with faculty and staff. During his first year in office, he focused on strategic planning, improving programmes and fostering fruitful collaborations.
Strategic Plan and Vision
Prof. Codjoe’s strategic plan (2022-2025) is hinged on three strategic priority areas:
Prof. Codjoe established a committee to restructure the Distance Education Programme with the aim of enhancing and expanding it. A retreat with internal stakeholders was organised to discuss the various issues raised, deliberate on the recommendations made and pave the way for the Distance Education programme to meet its expected remits.
In line with his vision, he has collaborated with Deans, Heads of Departments, Coordinators of Centres and the International Programmes Office of the College to introduce new programmes within their respective units. Currently, the School of Education and Leadership is awaiting accreditation to offer new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under the Distance Education programme. Additionally, the Kumasi and Takoradi City Campuses have received institutional accreditation.
To achieve his vision of intensifying research at the College, discussions are currently ongoing with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation at the Nelson Mandela University. These discussions aim to identify potential areas of collaboration between the College of Education - University of Ghana and the Nelson Mandela University.
Moreover, an initial grant of €300,000 for a climate change initiative supported by the Swedish International Development Agency through the Belmont Forum was obtained by the College.
Additionally, in promoting interdisciplinary research at the College, Prof. Codjoe formed a committee to oversee the establishment of the College of Education Research and Surveillance Sites. A College Research Development Officer has also been assigned to manage research grants at the College.
The Provost also facilitated the establishment of an International Programmes Unit for the College with the appointment of a Coordinator. It is the believe of the Provost that the College is well positioned to sell the University through international collaborations, attraction of international students, faculty and funding agencies.
Furthermore, efforts to increase publications at the College include; writing workshop organised for faculty members and the establishment of a committee for the preparation and launch of the “State of Education in Ghana.” The committee comprises members from the University and the Ministry of Education.
Departmental Research Committees in the various Departments of the constituents Schools of the College as well as the affiliated Colleges of Education were also established.
In preparation for the celebration of the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) in June 2023, Prof. Codjoe established a committee to plan various activities in commemoration of the DSRA. These activities include; a visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and a health walk for both staff and students of the College, among others.
Also, the 7th Inter-College Lecture was also organised on the topic: ‘Shadow Pandemic’ in Online Learning: Perspectives of Visually Impaired Students from Ghana and Egypt.”
Several flagship conferences have happened since the assumption of office of the Provost. These conferences include, the 74th Annual New Year School and Conference, the second edition of the Trends in Media and Communication Conference (TiMC) and the International Conference on Disability in Education, with a focus on Sustaining an Inclusive Africa.
During the year under review, Prof. Codjoe facilitated the promotions of faculty and administrative staff. As a result, two faculty members were promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies. Additionally, several Continuous Development Programmes were approved. The College Human Resource Officer was sponsored to attend a training programme at the Senior Professional in Human Resource Institute (SPHRI), while a Principal Administrative Assistant at the School of Education and Leadership was sponsored to attend a PA Conference. In addition, the College of Education (COE) Marketing, Communications, and Image Enhancement Team together with the Public Affairs Office, organised a 3-day website content upload exercise for Schools and Departmental Liaisons in preparation for the launch of the new University website.
During an educational fair for basic schools in the Ga-Adangbe communities, which educated students about the impact of climate change on the environment, organised as part of activities that marked the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the University of Ghana, Prof. Codjoe met with parliamentary officials from the Ga-Adangbe communities to discuss a scholarship programme sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation.
A stakeholders’ engagement with the UG Printing Press was also organised, among others. In showing appreciation for the work done so far, the staff of the UG Press received packages during the Christmas festivities.
In addition, a Prostate and Breast Cancer screening exercises were organised for staff of the College in September and October respectively.
Working visit
The Provost paid a working visit to the nine (9) learning centres, two (2) city campuses of the College as well as the six (6) Colleges of Education affiliated to the University of Ghana.
During his visit to the centres, the Provost met and engaged with leaders of the communities. These included a courtesy call on His Majesty Na Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, the 34th Paramount Chief of the Wala Traditional area in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region.