UEW Chaplaincy Equips Student Religious Leaders with Practical Leadership Skills
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Chaplaincy Board on Saturday, 16th August, 2025, held a leadership training seminar for executives of religious groups on the Winneba Campus at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room.
The training targeted the 2025/2026 Student Chaplaincy Executive Committee as well as presidents, general secretaries, financial secretaries and prayer secretaries of the various religious associations.
The seminar was designed to equip student religious leaders with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to provide effective leadership and contribute positively to the holistic development of students on campus. It featured insightful presentations from the University Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Joseph Nana Annan; Prof. William R. Okunloye of the Faculty of Educational Studies and Mrs. Dorothy Oppong Frimpong, Senior Assistant Registrar at the School of Graduate Studies.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Annan stressed the importance of proper administrative procedures in students’ dealings with the University. He explained that all correspondence and requests from student religious groups must go through the Chaplaincy before being forwarded to the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and management. He noted that this ensures accountability, transparency and compliance with university protocols.
Rev. Dr. Annan further highlighted the Chaplaincy’s role in promoting holistic growth among students, drawing inspiration from Luke 2:52 which emphasises growth in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man. He urged the participants to cultivate the discipline of deep listening which he described as an essential quality for leaders. “Effective leadership is about service,” he remarked, adding that student leaders must be attentive, empathic and ready to serve with humility.
Prof. Okunloye, delivering a lecture on Christian leadership, outlined the qualities of effective leaders and emphasised that leadership is not merely about holding positions but about influencing others positively towards common goals. He introduced the concept of servant leadership modeled on Jesus Christ, describing it as a unique and transformative approach that prioritises humility, service and integrity.
He encouraged participants to aspire to academic excellence while embracing values such as vision, teamwork, emotional intelligence and respect for authority and peers. “You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today,” he said, urging students to inspire peace, unity and progress on campus. He cautioned against destructive behaviours such as violent demonstrations and called on leaders to adopt a problem-solving and service-oriented mindset.
Mrs. Dorothy Oppong Frimpong’s presentation focused on practical administrative skills including effective correspondence, record-keeping, minutes and report writing. She walked the participants through professional standards for drafting official documents and emphasised the importance of accuracy, clarity and timeliness in handling records. She also addressed financial accountability, reminding student leaders that sound financial management builds trust and credibility in leadership.
The interactive seminar provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on their leadership responsibilities, share experiences and acquire skills that will guide their stewardship of religious groups.
The training underscored the Chaplaincy Board’s commitment to building student leaders who not only excel academically but also demonstrate integrity, service and responsibility in their leadership roles. It also reinforced the University’s vision of nurturing holistic graduates who are equipped to make a positive impact on society.
