UEW Lecture Series Receives Support from Access Bank, Ghana
Access Bank (Ghana) PLC has officially donated ₵50,000 to the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), becoming the first external banking institution to support the university's public lecture series.
The donation at the Council Chamber of UEW on Tuesday, 19th November, 2024, is expected to enrich the academic discourse and provide students, faculty, and the wider community with valuable insights from the series. This series aims to foster knowledge sharing, promote innovative ideas, and bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications.
During the ceremony, Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, acknowledged Access Bank (Ghana) Plc's commitment to education, citing its previous contributions to Ghanaian universities. He highlighted UEW's unique mandate as Ghana's premier education-focused university. "We train professionals who share knowledge, unlike other professions. We welcome your support in our public lecture series," he stated.
Mr. Jones Darmoe, Head of Business Banking at Access Bank, emphasised the bank's dedication to fostering strong relationships with educational institutions.” We view education as a vital area of support, and our CEO is committed to enhancing educational opportunities in Ghana. Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has constructed state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), which include hostels, an administrative block, and an auditorium. Additionally, the bank has completed a medical laboratory at the University for Development Studies (UDS) and is involved in ongoing projects at Cape Coast Technical University and the University of Cape Coast (UCC)," he stated.
Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah, Ag. Registrar of UEW expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are excited to have Access Bank (Ghana) Plc on board. Competition and variety are essential, and we look forward to achieving our goals together."
Prof. Kaakyire Frimpong Duku, Principal of the College for Distance and e-Learning, underscored the value of investing in UEW, highlighting its unique role in shaping Ghana's future. “Unlike institutions focused on corporate training, UEW develops teachers who profoundly impact society. Investing in UEW yields long-term benefits, as teachers play a vital role in shaping Ghanaian society,” he remarked. Prof. Duku encouraged the bank to consider UEW's potential, leveraging its resources to elevate the university.
Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso Wiredu, Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development at UEW, highlighted potential areas of collaboration. "We are grateful for your positive response. We are interested in research partnerships, internships and business collaborations through our business school," she said.
The collaboration sets a precedent for future partnerships between educational institutions and the banking sector, aiming to create a sustainable framework for knowledge exchange and development initiatives. Stakeholders expect this initiative to catalyse further contributions from other organisations, enhancing the infrastructure and educational resources available to students at UEW.
As the public lecture series unfolds in the coming year, students and faculty will have the opportunity to engage with prominent figures from various fields, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation at the university. The first lecture, initially scheduled to take place in November 2024 has been postponed to April 2025 due to the convenience of the keynote speaker.
This partnership underscores private sector involvement in advancing education and community development, positioning UEW at the forefront of academic innovation in Ghana.
