Prof. Samuel N. A. Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education poses with staff in a group picture
To ensure inclusivity in the planning and execution of activities for the academic year, the Provost of the College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, held an interactive session with the staff of the College. The interaction, which took place in the Smart Classroom at the School of Continuing and Distance Education, was aimed at discussing the College's Action Plan for the academic year.
Prof. Samuel N. A. Codjoe addressing the Staff
In his opening remarks, Professor Codjoe emphasised the importance of keeping abreast with events in the College and the potential value of this information during promotional interviews. He detailed the College's initiatives for the academic year, including the launch of the State of Education in Ghana Report, for which a committee had already been formed. He explained that the report would address topical issues in education that could inform policy and practice.
Cross-section of Staff
Seeking inputs from staff, the Provost invited staff to share their ideas on engaging activities that could be organised as part of the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA). Suggestions ranging from floats, football matches, clean-up exercises, and health screenings were made, all of which were welcomed for consideration.
A Staff contributing to the discussion
Speaking on research efforts by the College, the Provost highlighted the existence of a research team in each department dedicated to promoting research initiatives. He revealed plans to form a College-wide research team comprising a member from each departmental research team. Additionally, Prof. Codjoe reiterated the College’s commitment to conduct high quality research through the establishment of Research Surveillance Sites. He provided an overview of the ongoing construction of the Digital Youth Village and also announced the College's intention to establish a Research Center to serve as a hub for promoting research and attracting grants.
Cross-section of Staff
In an open discussion, staff shared their challenges. Prof. Codjoe also encouraged them to share the positive things happening in their respective schools and departments. He tasked the staff to nominate two representatives, preferably one male and one female, to plan activities with staff of the six Colleges of Education under its tutelage. He informed them of the College’s readiness to support such activities, stressing that it should not be union-related.
A Staff contributing to the discussion
To boost staff morale, Prof. Codjoe announced plans to celebrate staff birthdays with surprise visits and personalised birthday cards. He also expressed the hope that some of the staff would receive awards at the upcoming College Award Ceremony in recognition of their hard work.
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary
Responding to concerns about the absence of a welfare scheme, the College Secretary, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, said the College was considering a proposal to establish a welfare scheme and hoped it would be considered soon.
Cross-section of Staff
Looking ahead, the Provost expressed his intention to meet with the College staff again at the end of the year for a follow-up interaction and reiterated his open-door policy, inviting staff to freely share concerns and suggestions.
After the interaction, staff expressed their excitement about the College's Action Plan for the academic year. They also mentioned feeling more motivated and energised for the year ahead.