IERIS-UEW Hosts Seminar to Pave the Way Towards Becoming a Research-Intensive University
The Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) organised a seminar on Tuesday, 6th August 2024, to promote research among its staff and students.
The event was held at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room and focused on the theme "Pathways to Making UEW a Research-Intensive University." The seminar featured a keynote presentation by Prof. George Nana Sefa Dei, a distinguished visiting professor from the University of Toronto, Canada.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Daniel Yelkpieri, the Acting Director of IERIS, emphasised the critical importance of broadening UEW’s academic focus to position itself as one of Africa’s leading specialised institutions. He highlighted the necessity of venturing beyond traditional teaching methods to embrace research as a cornerstone of academic excellence.
Rev. Prof. Alexander Edwards, who chaired the seminar, echoed these sentiments, stressing that research is indispensable to fostering academic excellence. He challenged the university community to recognise research as the foundation upon which UEW's future would be built, urging all stakeholders to embrace this evolution towards becoming a research-focused institution.
The highlight of the seminar was the presentation by Prof. George Nana Sefa Dei, who advocated for UEW’s transition from a teaching-centric university to a research-driven one. He emphasised the symbiotic relationship between research and education and called for deliberate strategies and proper resource allocation to achieve this transformation.
Prof. Dei also stressed the need to shift the cultural values of scholarship at UEW to prioritise innovative and thought-provoking research.
The seminar was well-attended by faculty members and students who actively engaged in discussions on how UEW can best position itself as a leading research institution.
This seminar marks a crucial step in UEW’s ongoing efforts to integrate global best practices into its research agenda, setting the stage for a future where research excellence drives the university’s growth and prestige. As UEW continues to place a fresh emphasis on research, the university is poised to adopt innovative strategies that will elevate its status as a research-intensive institution, ready to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and societal advancement.
