UEW Matriculates Over 11,000 Freshers, Celebrates Exceptional Entrants
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), on Thursday, 12th February, 2026, formally inducted fresh students for the 2025/2026 academic year at a matriculation ceremony held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre (JAMCC).
The ceremony officially admitted 11,005 fresh students at the Winneba Campus as Junior Members of the University. The figure comprises 9,266 undergraduates and 1,739 postgraduates who met the University’s competitive admission requirements and duly registered in accordance with Statute 72 of the UEW Statutes.
Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo, the Registrar, described matriculation as a significant milestone in the life of every university student, explaining that only after participating in the ceremony is one officially recognised as a student of UEW. She emphasised that the exercise is a statutory requirement to formally enrol fresh students into the University.
In a rare and heartwarming departure from tradition, the University acknowledged exceptional entrants during the ceremony. Prospina Dede Adu was recognised as the first student admitted for the 2025/2026 academic year, symbolically paving the way for thousands of others. The University also celebrated its youngest admitted students — 14-year-old Ophelia Paridaga Ayourizuno, pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Special Education) and 14-year-old Derrick Agyarko Mensah, also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (French Education).
Adding to the memorable atmosphere, several fresh students celebrating their birthdays on the day of matriculation were publicly acknowledged and wished well by Management. The gesture, which drew warm applause from the audience, underscored the University’s student-centred philosophy and commitment to fostering a supportive academic community.
Mrs. Ekua Abedi-Boafo reminded them that by taking the Matriculation Oath and signing the matriculation register, they were pledging to abide by the rules and regulations governing the University and the laws of the Republic of Ghana. She cautioned that the University reserves the right to terminate the registration of any student who provided false information during the admission process or whose performance and conduct prove unsatisfactory.
She urged the students to study the Students’ Handbook and other policy documents carefully, work diligently and uphold the University's image at all times. “It is the responsibility of us all to help promote the image of our noble institution positively and shape the destiny of our nation,” she stated.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor, formally welcomed the freshmen and women on behalf of the University Management and the Academic Board, reiterating the University’s vision to be an internationally reputable institution for teacher education and research. He noted that UEW remains committed to training competent professional teachers, advancing knowledge through research, disseminating scholarly work and contributing to educational policy and national development.
Providing a broader overview of admissions across all campuses, Prof. Mitchual disclosed that a total of 16,017 students were admitted into the University for the 2025/2026 academic year. Of this number, 13,766 were undergraduates, with 13,338 admitted to the Winneba Campus and 428 to the Ajumako Campus. At the postgraduate level, 2,251 applications were received, leading to 2,086 admissions at Winneba and 165 at Ajumako. The gender distribution stands at 7,976 males (49%) and 8,041 females (almost 51%), reflecting near parity and sustained female representation.
The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing student experience and community impact. Central among them are the Vice-Chancellor’s Community Initiative Programme (VCCIP), structured around the Neighbourhood Academic Initiative Programme to support BECE and WASSCE candidates; financial assistance for needy students with an emphasis on STEM education and the Community Apprenticeship Initiative Programme to promote technical and vocational skills development.
He also outlined major infrastructural developments underway including the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium and a modernised football pitch in preparation for the 29th Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games. Additional facilities, such as handball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, hockey and beach volleyball courts, as well as plans for a new Tartan athletics oval are being developed to international standards. Expansion of the University’s internal road network and enhanced drainage systems are also in progress to improve accessibility and safeguard the campus environment.
Prof. Mitchual reminded matriculants that education carries responsibility and urged them to embody the University’s motto, “Education for Service.” He encouraged them to attend lectures regularly, complete assignments diligently, uphold integrity and cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“By your admission today, you join a distinguished body of alumni who have made significant contributions to national and global development,” he said, expressing confidence in their potential to excel.
The ceremony climaxed with the administration of the Matriculation Oath and the signing of the matriculation register, formally inducting the fresh students into the UEW community, a defining moment that will remain etched in their academic journey.
