CODeL Retreat Charts the Future of UEW E-Learning
The College for Distance and e-Learning (CODeL) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has had a two-day management retreat aimed at repositioning itself as a leader in distance and e-learning in Ghana and beyond.
The retreat, held under the theme “CODeL and the Evolving Educational Landscape,” brought together management and staff of the College to reflect on past achievements, address challenges and chart a new strategic roadmap for the years ahead. The two-day retreat was held at the Centre for International Programmes (CIP) Conference Room on Monday, 8th and Tuesday, 9th September, 2025.
Opening the retreat, Prof. Frimpong Kaakyire Duku, Principal of CODeL, emphasised the importance of using the retreat as a platform to refresh memories, upgrade knowledge and enhance skills. He urged participants to embrace new insights and innovative strategies that would strengthen CODeL’s role in the rapidly changing educational environment.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anselm K. Abotsi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote address on behalf of Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual. He underscored the urgency of innovation and strategic partnerships in distance education.
“Education is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom; it transcends geographical boundaries. To remain relevant, CODeL must innovate in pedagogy, technology and learner support while addressing threats such as increased competition and new regulatory directives from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC),” he stated.
A major highlight of the retreat was a comprehensive review of CODeL’s current position and future direction by Prof. Jones Apawu, Director of Programmes and Innovations. Tracing the evolution of CODeL from its inception as the Centre for Distance Education in 1992 to its present status as a fully-fledged college, Prof. Apawu revealed that the College now serves over 26,000 students across 28 accredited study centres. He praised recent reforms such as digitised course registration, online access to results, the introduction of radio lectures and the development of 13 new postgraduate programmes.
However, Prof. Apawu also acknowledged persistent challenges, including overreliance on face-to-face sessions, stalled courseware development, delayed provision of learning materials and reduced access following GTEC’s directive to close unaccredited centres. Looking forward, he outlined a strategic roadmap (2025–2030) focusing on digital transformation, curriculum innovation, quality assurance, infrastructure development and permanent regional structures. “The future of CODeL must be built on innovation, collaboration and a firm commitment to educational excellence,” he stressed.
The retreat also featured two distinguished guest facilitators whose presentations enriched discussions. Prof. Winston Kwame Abrampah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), led a highly interactive session on “Team Building and Problem Solving in Distance Education.”
His presentation brought attention to building cohesive teams across distributed locations, understanding team dynamics and fostering collaborative culture. He introduced frameworks such as the CEDAR model (Clarify, Explore, Develop, Act, Review) for systematic problem-solving, urging CODeL to strengthen internal communication, develop psychological safety within teams and align its distance education ecosystem with student needs.
Similarly, Prof. Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto, Esq., Deputy Director of the Digital Youth Village and faculty member at the University of Ghana, delivered two thought-provoking presentations on “Leadership, Communication and Change Management” and “Rethinking the Legal and Policy Directions of Open and Distance Learning in Ghana.”
He stressed that effective leadership, transparent communication and adaptive change management are crucial levers for transforming distance education. He also drew attention to gaps in Ghana’s legal and policy frameworks for distance learning, particularly on digital accessibility, copyright and recognition of e-learning certifications.
Prof. Aheto called for urgent reforms and adoption of global best practices such as low-bandwidth delivery, Open Educational Resources (OER) and micro-credentials to enhance equity and quality.
Mr. Jojoe Annan, Senior Assistant Registrar at CODeL moderated proceedings for the two-day retreat.
The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The contributions of the six key speakers underscored a shared vision: to make CODeL not only a centre of access but also a hub of innovation, resilience and leadership in Ghana’s higher education landscape.
