ODSA-UEW Hosts Pre-Service Orientation for Final-Year Students
The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs (ODSA) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in collaboration with the Central Regional Directorate of the National Service Authority (NSA) has hosted a comprehensive pre-service orientation for final-year students ahead of the 2025/2026 national service year.
The day-long seminar, held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre at the North Campus of UEW on Monday, 16th June, 2025 was aimed at sensitising students on the processes, expectations and responsibilities associated with national service deployment.
The orientation, themed around readiness, discipline and national contribution, brought together NSA officials, university authorities and hundreds of students preparing to enter the world of work through national service.
The Central Regional Director of NSA, Mr. Vincent Kpolu, underscored the authority’s commitment to the welfare of service personnel. He highlighted the importance of enrolling in the NSA’s insurance packages, highlighting their role in addressing unfortunate incidents such as accidents, disabilities or fatalities during service. “Previously, the National Health Insurance Scheme did not cover certain incidents that our personnel encountered. Now, with SIC Life and Glico Life on board, we are better prepared to support you,” he stated.
The NSA Director also urged personnel to accept postings in good faith, particularly to rural and private sector institutions which now form 50% of deployment under the new NSA strategy. “We will post you where your services are most needed, not where you want to be,” he declared firmly.
Mr. Kpolu reassured students of accommodations for special needs, including considerations for pregnant women, married persons and persons with disability. “We have made provisions on the enrolment form to help us place you appropriately,” he said, adding that housing support in far districts would be arranged in collaboration with local authorities.
The Dean of ODSA-UEW, Dr. (Mrs.) Edinam Kakra Avoke, welcomed students to the event and emphasised the mandatory nature of national service. She encouraged them to be attentive, prepare thoughtful questions, and fully engage with the information presented. “This orientation is designed to prepare you, so please pay attention and participate actively,” she advised.
Mr. Kobina Aikins, Assistant Administrative Manager at the NSA in the Central Region, provided an overview of the day’s sessions, breaking down the three key pillars: the history and purpose of national service, the digitised registration and posting process and financial management. He highlighted reforms such as the online PIN code and registration system which eliminates manual processes and encouraged honesty in self-disclosure, particularly, for students who are already employed and contributing to SSNIT.
Mr. Ernest Kofi Adansi, Regional MIS Officer and Mr. Benjamin Nana Benning, Regional Accountant took participants through the technical and financial aspects of the service. Mr. Adansi guided students through the NSS SmartHub registration portal, emphasising data accuracy, digital photo guidelines and the importance of verifying Ghana Card details.
Mr. Benning detailed the allowance structure, payment schedule and legal requirements under the newly enacted NSA Act 1119 of 2024. He also addressed issues of service evasion, self-posting and absenteeism, warning students of the consequences and encouraging full compliance.
Throughout the event, students were repeatedly encouraged to embrace postings to unfamiliar or rural locations, particularly within the private sector. NSA officials stressed that such opportunities often pave the way for future employment and career growth.
In closing, all personnel were urged to join the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), a welfare body operating at district, regional and national levels, for peer support and collective engagement during service.
