Newly Appointed Faculty Quality Assurance Officers Undergo Training

The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) commenced a workshop aimed at equipping newly appointed Faculty Quality Assurance Officers with essential skills and knowledge to effectively function in their roles.
Under the theme "Quality Begins with You," the training, organised by the UEW Directorate of Quality Assurance, is designed to provide these officers with a thorough understanding of their responsibilities.
The workshop, which took place at the Students Centre Seminar Room III, gathered Faculty Quality Assurance Officers from the various faculties and schools. It featured a series of interactive sessions, keynote addresses from seasoned academics, and presentations to foster a culture of quality within the university ecosystem.

Prof. Charles Assuah, Dean of the Centre for International Programmes, who chaired the training workshop on behalf of Prof. Victor Antwi, underscored the pivotal role of quality assurance in academic institutions, highlighting its potential to enhance teaching, learning and research. He underlined the importance of fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Prof. Assuah addressed the roles and responsibilities of the Faculty Quality Assurance Officers, emphasising their obligation to prioritise and champion quality initiatives. He urged them to embody the principles of quality in their personal and professional lives saying, “The quality you practice here should affect your entire life.”

Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, Dean of the School of Creative Arts, and former Director of Quality Assurance, underscored the critical role of personal responsibility in fostering a culture of quality in academia. He emphasised that quality assurance is not only about institutional policies but also begins with the individual commitment of every faculty member to uphold the highest standards of education.
Drawing a parallel to the craftsmanship of German engineers known for their attention to detail, Prof. Acquah stated, “If you have ever seen German engineering, you know the kind of precision and care they put into every detail. That is the level of commitment we must bring to our work in education. Quality is about doing the little things right, consistently.”
Prof. Acquah stressed the importance of collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. “No one can do this alone. To truly create a culture of quality, we must work together, communicate openly, and empower each other to uphold high standards. This is how we achieve excellence,” he said.

Prof. Robert Andrews Ghanney, Director of Quality Assurance, highlighted key challenges faced by the Directorate. He identified the lack of adequate staff as a major hurdle. “We are working with minimal personnel while championing major initiatives. This situation is not sustainable, and we are calling for more involvement,” he noted.
Prof. Ghanney also touched on the absence of well-structured quality assurance units in certain faculties. He emphasised the need for proper setups, including resource allocation and leadership appointments to drive quality enhancement.

Prof. Emma Sarah Eshun, Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, emphasised the importance of adhering to policy standards to maintain quality assurance in higher education. She highlighted foundational legal frameworks, implementation strategies and the importance of inclusivity.
Prof. Emma Eshun encouraged participants to develop action plans to foster equal access and uphold institutional standards, ensuring all students benefit from educational opportunities and facilities.
The training covered topics including accreditation processes, internal auditing practices, and strategies for implementing effective assessment tools. Participants engaged in group discussions and case study analyses, allowing them to share experiences and best practices that promote quality assurance in their respective faculties and schools.
As the university continues to adapt to the evolving educational landscape, the emphasis on quality assurance is more crucial than ever. The Directorate of Quality Assurance plans to hold regular follow-up sessions to ensure that faculty officers remain updated on best practices and emerging trends in the field. The university's ongoing dedication to quality education reinforces its mission to nurture and develop learners who will contribute positively to society and the global community.