The School of Education and Leadership (SEL) of the University of Ghana’s College of Education has urged educators to embrace innovation, integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning, and promote inclusive and sustainable approaches to education in response to the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Cross-section of participants
The call was made at the School’s 2nd Biennial International Conference, held on 6 October 2026 at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) Conference Centre, University of Ghana. Held under the theme “Education for Transformation in a Changing World: Digitalization, Sustainability and Equity in Policy and Practice”, the conference brought together academics, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine emerging challenges and opportunities in education.
Professor Peter Quartey, Provost of the College of Education
Opening the conference, the Provost of the College of Education, Professor Peter Quartey, highlighted the interconnected effects of climate change, globalisation, educational inequalities and technological advancement on education. He emphasised the need for research, innovation and the responsible use of AI to address contemporary educational challenges.
Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor responsible for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon Awandare, who represented the Vice-Chancellor as Guest of Honour, commended SEL for organising the conference. He underscored the importance of innovative approaches to addressing emerging challenges in education and called for continued responsiveness to the changing educational landscape. He also highlighted the value of platforms that encourage dialogue, knowledge sharing and the development of practical solutions to improve educational policy and practice.
Professor James Sefe Dzisah, Dean, School of Education and Leadership, welcoming participants
Welcoming participants, the Dean of SEL, Professor James Sefe Dzisah, outlined the conference’s objectives and expected outcomes, emphasising its role in fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among education stakeholders.
Professor Gordon S.K. Adika, Chairman of the Planning Committee
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Gordon S.K. Adika, welcomed participants and reflected on the success of the inaugural conference. He also highlighted publicity efforts to promote the event, including radio discussions on Radio Universe by Dr Phyllis and Rev. Professor Christianah Awoniyi.
Dr. Violet Makuku, Director of the Global Quality Assurance Association, Ghana, delivering the keynote address
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Violet Makuku, Director of the Global Quality Assurance Association, Ghana, urged educators to embrace AI and integrate it meaningfully into teaching and learning. She called for educational curricula to be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with greater emphasis on practical, skills-oriented education and continuous professional development for teachers and lecturers.
A cross-section of participants
Dr. Makuku further encouraged participants to approach educational transformation with an open mind, stressing that conferences, workshops and seminars should produce practical solutions and improve educational outcomes rather than serve merely as attendance exercises.
Professor Samuel Atintono, Principal of Accra College of Education, delivering remarks on behalf of the affiliated Colleges of Education
Speaking on behalf of the affiliated Colleges of Education, the Principal of Accra College of Education, Professor Samuel Atintono, highlighted the conference’s contribution to strengthening institutional collaboration, enhancing visibility and promoting knowledge sharing among educational institutions and stakeholders.
A cross-section of participants
Following the opening ceremony, participants proceeded to breakout sessions for paper presentations, discussions and the exchange of ideas related to the conference theme.
The conference reinforced the need for education systems to respond to technological advances and evolving societal needs while prioritising equity, sustainability and quality. It also reaffirmed SEL’s commitment to advancing educational research, strengthening collaboration and promoting innovative approaches to teaching and learning in a changing world.