UEW Social Studies Conference Enhances Employability and Digital Skills
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has demonstrated its commitment to producing globally competitive graduates by equipping Social Studies students with employability, entrepreneurship and digital citizenship skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of work.
The 2026 Departmental Conference of the Department of Social Studies Education (DSSE) was held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre under the theme, "Empowering Social Studies Students with Employable, Entrepreneurial and Digital Citizenship Skills for the 21st Century World of Work." It brought together academics, policymakers, industry professionals, alumni and students to examine the competencies required for career success in a technology driven economy.
Welcoming participants, Prof. Isaac Eshun, the Head of the Department of Social Studies Education, said the conference was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the modern workplace. He urged students to embrace practical skills, entrepreneurship, digital competence and adaptability with academic excellence to enhance their career prospects.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Samuel O. Bekoe, the Director General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), described Social Studies as a strategic discipline for developing responsible, innovative and globally competitive citizens. He challenged lecturers to adopt more experiential and community-oriented teaching approaches while encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and adaptability to remain relevant in an ever-changing labour market.
Hon. Matthew Nyindam, Member of Parliament for Kpandai Constituency and an alumnus of the Department, inspired students to see themselves as leaders of today rather than tomorrow. Reflecting on his leadership journey at UEW, he encouraged students to actively participate in governance, volunteerism and community development while embracing entrepreneurship as a pathway to national transformation.
Ms. Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah, a broadcast journalist, digital content creator and DSSE alumna, urged students to intentionally build positive digital identities. She stressed that employers increasingly evaluate candidates through their online presence before reviewing their curriculum vitae.
Sharing her personal experience, she explained that her digital skills in content creation, storytelling and video editing opened doors to opportunities beyond her academic qualifications. She encouraged students to acquire competencies in artificial intelligence, digital communication, cybersecurity, personal branding and online collaboration to remain competitive in the digital economy.
Dr. Isaac Mensah, a Lecturer at the UEW School of Business, challenged students to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets in response to Ghana's changing labour market. He urged them to create value through innovation rather than depend solely on formal employment. He emphasised that employability today requires creativity, resilience, communication skills and problem-solving abilities in addition to academic knowledge.
Prof. Lucy Effeh Attom, the Dean of the Faculty of Liberal and Social Studies Education, highlighted the importance of equity in employment. She noted that competence should determine career opportunities rather than gender or other social barriers. She encouraged educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurship, digital skills and mentorship into academic programmes while promoting inclusive workplaces where talent can flourish.
The conference concluded with interactive discussions that reinforced a common message that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient for career success. Participants were encouraged to combine knowledge with entrepreneurial thinking, digital competence, ethical leadership and lifelong learning to excel in the 21st century workplace.
