Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (third from right) pictured in a group photograph with faculty members of the Department of Distance Education

Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education at the University of Ghana, has held what is expected to be his final round of engagement sessions with faculty and administrators of the College before assuming office as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development on 1st August, 2026.

Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (third from left) pictured in a group photograph with faculty members of the Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies

The meetings, held separately with faculty from the Department of Distance Education, the Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies and Senior Member Administrators and Professionals within the College, formed part of the Provost’s long-standing tradition of engaging with various categories of staff at the beginning and end of each academic year.

Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (middle) pictured in a group photograph with Administrators/Professional Senior Members

While these engagements typically focus on the College’s plans for the year ahead and updates on activities undertaken during the year, this year’s interactions took on a more reflective tone. Speaking under the theme, “The State of the College,” Prof. Codjoe described the sessions as particularly significant, noting that they would most likely be his final engagements with the College community in that capacity as Provost.

The meetings provided an opportunity for him to reflect on the College’s journey and achievements during his tenure, while also sharing aspects of the vision he had intended to pursue during a second term in office, which has now been curtailed following his appointment to the University’s senior leadership.

In a presentation marked by reflection, appreciation, and forward-looking aspirations, Prof. Codjoe highlighted several milestones achieved by the College under his leadership. He spoke about initiatives aimed at enhancing academic visibility, fostering collaboration among departments, strengthening staff engagement, and positioning the College more prominently within the University of Ghana community.

Faculty and administrators used the occasion to congratulate Prof. Codjoe on his elevation and commended him for what they described as transformative and flagship initiatives that have significantly enhanced the visibility and reputation of the College of Education within the University community.

According to faculty and administrators, the College of Education has become increasingly recognised and competitive among the University’s four Colleges, largely due to the strategic programmes and initiatives introduced during his tenure.

Members further appealed to the outgoing Provost to ensure that his key initiatives and flagship programmes are comprehensively documented in his handing-over notes to facilitate their institutionalisation and sustainability beyond his tenure.

Responding to the concerns raised, Prof. Codjoe stressed the importance of sustaining some of the College’s hallmark initiatives, particularly the Pen Ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of Associate Professors within the College.

He noted that although he strongly supports the continuation of the Annual Staff and Students Awards and Dinner Dance, the financial implications may require the event to be organised biennially rather than annually. He, however, pointed out that the two editions organised thus far had been supported through sponsorship from outside the College.

Prof. Codjoe also encouraged departments to align their individual conferences with the College of Education International Conference initiative in order to strengthen its impact, visibility and institutional relevance.  “I encourage departments to bring their individual conferences under the umbrella of the College of Education International Conference so that together we can build a stronger and more impactful academic platform for the College,” he stated.

As the meetings drew to a close, members wished Prof. Codjoe well in his new role and appealed to him to continue advocating for the interests of the College from the University’s senior management level.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Codjoe expressed sincere appreciation to faculty, administrators and the broader College community for the support, cooperation and goodwill extended to him throughout his tenure as Provost.

He further urged members to extend the same level of support and cooperation to the incoming Provost to ensure the continued growth, unity and progress of the College of Education.