The College of Education, in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies, has officially welcomed one hundred and sixty (160) graduate students admitted to the University of Ghana to pursue a Master of Arts sandwich programme in Educational Leadership and Management. This programme is expected to transform the students to become better managers and leaders in their respective institutions or educational fields.

The ceremony, which was held at the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), was jointly officiated by the Provost of the College of Education, Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Kwadwo Ofori, the Vice-Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ama de-Graft Aikins, the Acting-Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, Prof. Jonathan Fletcher, the Senior Assistant Registrar at the School of Graduate Studies, Mr. John Kromoah, as well as Mrs. Theodosia Adanu, University Librarian and Mr. Michael Antwi, the Students’ Accountant.

Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, the Provost of the College of Education, Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo acknowledged the commitment of the University of Ghana to the establishment of the School of Education and Leadership which he noted, becomes the third and youngest school within the College of Education. He noted that in line with accreditation process for the School to become fully operational, the Minister of Education, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman at a major stakeholder’s meeting for all educationists in Ghana, expressed confidence in what the University of Ghana was going to offer in education.

Rev. Prof. Omenyo recounted the pioneering role of the University of Ghana in Teacher Education in the country, adding that by a presidential fiat, Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah established a similar teacher-training university in Cape Coast. Prof. Omenyo noted that in revolutionising education in Ghana, the Course would be more research-oriented through the use of modern technology in research and teaching. He implored the graduate students to maximise resources made available at the University of Ghana and the Legon Centres for Continuing Education located in eight Regional capitals in the country.

Prof. Jonathan Fletcher

The Acting-Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, Prof. Jonathan Fletcher, in his presentation indicated that the MA Programme has received positive feedback from colleagues in the University of Ghana and other educational institutions. He noted that through the programme, the students would have the opportunity to engage in different modern learning methods particularly through e-learning. He assured them of joining an academic community where administrators and staff, are dedicated to ensure that the University’s highest traditions of learning are carried out in congenial environment. He outlined the course structure, comprising of six core subjects and two electives. Prof. Fletcher called on the graduate students to demonstrate diligence, discipline and dedication towards their studies, reminding them to as well attend all lecture sessions, complete all assignments and engage in vigorous self-learning.

Prof. Kwadwo Ofori

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Kwadwo Ofori in a brief presentation, informed the students about the administrative work of the School of Graduate Studies. He noted that the Graduate School is responsible for approving all graduate programmes, supervising students undertaking course works, dissertations and long essays, as well as instituting and enforcing rules and regulations. He called on the students to utilize the advisory services offered by the School of Graduate Studies Committee, while being cognizance of their duty to study seriously.

Prof. Ama de-Graft Aikins

The Vice-Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ama de-Graft Aikins in her remarks, welcomed the students and congratulated them on their successful admission. While emphasising that the orientation serves the purpose of showcasing what the University expects of them as students, she noted that the sandwich programme was standardised to suit their individual careers. Prof. Aikins entreated students to make good use of the Balme Library and other libraries on Campus, which have been greatly upgraded for study purposes.

Mrs. Theodocia Adanu

Mrs. Theodocia Adanu, the University’s e-learning specialist, provided an overview of the facilities and resources within the Balme Library and other libraries on Campus. She reminded the graduate students to sign up to a biometric registration system, and as well frequent the libraries and use the available spaces such as the Research Commons, the 24-hour Reading Room and the Information Access Centre (IAC) for all their academic work. She lauded the University Management for furbishing the libraries with contemporary books, research aids as well as access to wireless internet. She expressed confidence that the upgrade of the libraries would significantly enable students to undertake research and facilitate their studies.

Mr. Michael Antwi

The University’s Student Accountant, Mr. Michael Antwi, took the graduate students through the rudiments of making financial transactions with banks approved by the University of Ghana. The banks, he noted, include Ecobank and Standard Chartered Bank. He advised the students to be circumspect with giving information out, particularly when writing on bank drafts and other issuances.  This, he, said would not hinder them from receiving tuition and enjoying residential facilities.

Mr. Justice Surugu

The President of the Legon Chapter of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Mr. Justice M. I. Surugu, took the students through the activieties of the Association.

Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah

The students simultaneously took their matriculation oath administered by the College Secretary, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah. The student body comprised entrepreneurs, education workers and corporate representatives.

            A group photograph taken after the Ceremony

THE ORIENTATION CEREMONY IN PICTURES

Officials at the Ceremony

Some Faculty Members at the Ceremony

A Cross-section of the Freshers