UEW Matriculates First NTC-Sponsored PGDE Cohort to Professionalise Teaching

In his address, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of UEW, described the matriculation as a defining moment in the professional transformation of the students. Drawing from his personal experience as a former non-professional teacher, he recounted how pursuing professional teacher education transformed his understanding of teaching from a routine activity into a disciplined profession grounded in psychology, sociology and pedagogy.

“Today begins your training to become professional teachers, and if you commit yourselves fully, you will truly appreciate the difference professional preparation makes,” he said.

Prof. Mitchual revealed that recent findings by the NTC indicate that thousands of teachers in Ghana’s senior high schools are currently teaching without formal pedagogical training, posing challenges to the quality and consistency of education delivery nationwide. He explained that the special PGDE programme forms part of a national initiative being implemented through collaboration among five universities to bridge this gap and prepare professionally competent teachers capable of meeting the demands of modern education.

According to him, out of 323 applicants, 317 were admitted while 297 students successfully enrolled on the programme, reflecting the strong interest and relevance of the initiative. He added that the programme is being delivered through a hybrid model that combines online and face-to-face instruction to ensure flexibility without compromising academic rigour.

Prof. Mitchual reminded the matriculants that teaching remains central to national development because every profession depends on the foundation laid by teachers. He therefore urged the students to approach the programme with discipline, integrity and a strong commitment to excellence. “The role of the teacher extends beyond the classroom. You are being prepared to shape minds, influence character and contribute meaningfully to national transformation,” he emphasised.

He assured the students of UEW’s commitment to providing the academic support, professional guidance and enabling environment necessary for their success while encouraging them to uphold the values and standards of the University throughout their studies.

On her part, Dr. Cecilia Esinam Eyaa Agbeh, the Deputy Registrar in charge of Operations at the NTC, described the programme as a landmark initiative designed to enhance professionalism in Ghana’s education sector. She noted that the initiative originated from a strategic partnership between the NTC and five teacher education universities including UEW to provide professional training opportunities for teachers who are already in classrooms but lack formal pedagogical qualifications.

Dr. Cecilia Agbeh explained that the participating universities were carefully selected based on their academic credibility, geographical reach and longstanding contributions to teacher education in Ghana. According to her, the initiative demonstrates a national commitment to ensuring quality education delivery across every region of the country.

She commended Prof. Mitchual and his representatives for their instrumental role in designing the curriculum, preparing course materials and coordinating academic activities for the programme. Highlighting the broader national significance of the initiative, she stressed that while Ghana has made progress in increasing access to education, the country must equally prioritise quality teaching and learning outcomes.

The matriculation ceremony reaffirmed UEW’s leadership in teacher education and its continued commitment to partnering national stakeholders to strengthen professional standards and improve the quality of teaching and learning in Ghana.