Prof. Flolu Advocates for Further Discourse on Global Trends in Educational Reforms
An Associate Professor of Music and Music Education and former Principal, College of Technology Education (COLTEK), UEW, Prof. Emmanuel James Flolu has called on the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to use the 25th Anniversary celebration to engage in further discourse on major government educational reforms within the context of global trends.
He added that the discourse should be supported by literature arising out of empirical research to make informed views available for the benefit of government as well as policy implementers.
Prof. Emmanuel James Flolu in his address
Prof. Flolu made the call on Wednesday, 16th October, 2019 at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus, Winneba during the first Public Lecture for the 25th Anniversary of the University.
Addressing participants on the topic “Teacher Education in Ghana, Reflections on the Mandate of the University of Education, Winneba”, Prof. Flolu highlighted relevant issues such as incubation period, the University Rationalisation Committee, the unwritten Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the constituent Colleges of Ghana Education Service (GES), proposed name for the University College, the desire of Kumasi and Mampong Campuses, the UEW Act 672 and the Multi-Campus University, from University College to autonomous University status, proposed names of the University, the wish of the Effutu Traditional Council, request for autonomous status for Kumasi and aftermath, the spirit of the law Act 672, UEW and National Education Policies and the way forward.
Prof. Flolu flanked by (from L-R) Prof. Ruby Hanson, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni, Prof. Obeng Mireku and Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq.
Prof. Flolu, in his presentation, examined some of the various dynamics which appear to have influenced the growth of UEW and he also explored some key opportunities and challenges including the educational steps taken by government in the last decades.
He informed UEW to develop a strategic plan which would see to the establishment of new campuses across the country and ensure that all the campuses have equal status.
“In this regard, we can only pursue a truly multi-campus University structure if we view UEW, with the current four campuses, Winneba, Kumasi, Mampong and Ajumako, as four Universities in one and if each is to be headed by a Principal we expect to have four principals. And this means that the Vice-Chancellor, who is based here at Winneba, the headquarters, should, in fact, be seen as carrying two positions in one: Principal of Winneba Campus and Vice-Chancellor of the University. In this way UEW will become bigger and stronger and our Vice-Chancellor will be the most powerful Vice-Chancellor in Ghana,” he recommended.
He used the occasion to call on every staff as well as stakeholders to contribute their quota for reconciliation. “We fought hard, worked tirelessly to pass on to the next generation this great beacon of teacher training university. As forefathers, nothing brings us the most gratification than to see the fruits of our labour and toils succeed. Yet we are at the crossroads. Our legacy is about to be destroyed. Our toils and labour are about to be in vain. Shall we look on for this to happen? This Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration should be treated as a defining moment for UEW: A time to pursue the next chapter not because it is easy, but because it is hard.”
Chairman of Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku
The Chairman of the UEW Governing Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku who chaired the occasion affirmed that the role of the teacher is pivotal and cannot be ignored because education is a necessary condition for development and the teacher is the orchestrator, implementer and ultimate definer of its reality.
He admonished Universities, Colleges, the Teacher Education Division of the GES and all bodies involved in teacher education in Ghana to join forces to chart new content and emphatically, approaches to teaching that could promote critical thinking skills in teachers.
The Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq. during the purpose of gathering and welcome address indicated that public lectures are important in the life of every university because they create avenues for sharing views on cardinal areas on the mandate of the University and this will aid in re-strategising the University’s efforts to achieve its vision and mission.
Students from the School of Creative Arts in a spectacular performance at the public lecture
The ceremony saw an impressive poetry recital and magnificent renditions by the School of Creative Arts.
Also present at the Lecture were the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni; Ag. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ruby Hanson; Omanhene of Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII and his Entourage, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Lecturers, non-teaching staff and students.
Omanhene of Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII (third from right) with his entourage at the event
