A group of students from the Department of Teacher Education, School of Education and Leadership (SEL), has added another achievement to the College of Education's growing record of student research and innovation after winning the 2026 Most Innovative Research of the Year Award at the 15th Sustainable Education and Development Research Conference (SEDRC).
The award-winning students pose with their Professor
The students recently presented their winning trophy to the College of Education, University of Ghana, as part of a special recognition meeting with College Management. The occasion provided an opportunity for the College to celebrate the students' achievement, acknowledge the support that contributed to their success and encourage them to pursue even greater heights in research and innovation.
The students were accompanied by the Dean of SEL, Prof. James S. Dzisah, a faculty member from the department, Rev. Sr. Prof. Florence C. Awoniyi and Mrs. Rodarling Neequaye, School Administrator, SEL. They were received by the Provost of the College, Prof. Peter Quartey and the College Registrar, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah.
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the College, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, congratulated the students on their outstanding performance and commended them for bringing recognition to the School and the College. He subsequently invited members of the delegation to introduce themselves.
Rev. Sr. Prof. Florence C. Awoniyi
Rev. Sr. Prof. Florence C. Awoniyi, who formally introduced the students, explained that she had informed the College Management about the award following the students' success at the 15th SEDRC. She indicated that the College had expressed its desire to receive the students formally and celebrate their achievement.
Prof. Peter Quartey, Provost of the College of Education
In his remarks, Prof. Peter Quartey, Provost of the College of Education, welcomed the students and the accompanying delegation and congratulated them on their impressive achievement. He noted that the award was a source of pride to the College and the University of Ghana.
The Provost disclosed that when he received news of the students' success, he shared it with the Vice-Chancellor, who was equally pleased with the achievement and commended the students for their accomplishment.
Prof. Quartey further disclosed that the College had prepared recognition certificates for the students to formally acknowledge their achievement.
He encouraged the students not to become complacent following their success but to continue striving for excellence and challenging themselves to achieve even greater things.
“You have demonstrated that you have the ability to do more,” he said, urging them to build on the achievement and continue pursuing innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Prof. James S. Dzisah, Dean of SEL
The Dean of SEL, Prof. James S. Dzisah, expressed his delight at seeing students from the School excel and attain greater heights. Reflecting on the launch of UGCoE Connect, the College's magazine, Prof. Dzisah recalled that he had informed the College Registrar that activities by the SEL and its constituent that contribute to the advancement of the five priority areas of the University's 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, would take up almost all the pages activities.
He said he expected the School's activities and achievements to feature prominently in subsequent editions of the College magazine as SEL continued to contribute to the University's strategic priorities. Prof. Dzisah also encouraged the students to approach him whenever they required academic or professional recommendations, assuring them of his support as they progressed in their studies and careers.
Mr. Kelvin Essuma (middle) expressing appreciation to the College management on behalf of his fellow award-winning students
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Kelvin Essuma expressed appreciation to Rev. Sr. Prof. Florence C. Awoniyi, who teaches them Mathematics, for her guidance and encouragement. He also thanked the Dean and management of SEL as well as the Provost and management of the College for their support.
Ms. Matilda Abor, the only female member of the award-winning team, adding her voice to the students' appreciation of the support received from the College
Ms. Matilda Abor, the only female student among the award-winning team, also expressed gratitude to Rev. Sr. Prof. Florence C. Awoniyi for creating an environment that allowed the students to explore ideas and develop solutions to problems. She noted that the opportunity to identify a problem and think through possible solutions had enabled the students to develop their creativity and appreciate the value of research and innovation.
Rev. Sr. Prof. Florence C. Awoniyi, in her remarks, encouraged the students to carry the spirit of innovation beyond the University. She urged them to promote the establishment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs wherever their professional journeys take them. She challenged them to replicate the opportunities they had received by creating similar platforms for others to learn, explore and develop innovative solutions.
Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Peter Quartey, presenting recognition certificates to the award-winning students in acknowledgement of their outstanding achievement
The ceremony concluded with Prof. Quartey presenting recognition certificates to the students in acknowledgement of their achievement.
The presentation marked a fitting celebration of the students' success while reinforcing the College's commitment to nurturing a culture of research, creativity and innovation. For the award-winning students, the recognition provides both a celebration of what they have accomplished and an encouragement to continue exploring ideas that can make a meaningful difference.
