University of Ghana's School of Education and Leadership Held Matriculation Ceremony

The Grandaunts in  group photograph with University Officials

One hundred and sixty graduate students have been matriculated at the University of Ghana to pursue a Master of Arts programme in Educational Leadership and Management. The two-year programme is expected to transform the students to become better managers and leaders in their respective institutions or educational fields.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost of the College of Education, Rev. Prof. Cephas Omenyo acknowledged the commitment of the University of Ghana to establish the School of Education and Leadership which he noted, becomes the third school within the College of Education. He noted that during the accreditation process for the School to become fully operational, the Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman at a major stakeholder’s meeting for all educationists in Ghana, expressed confidence that the programme will deliver on its expected outcomes.

Prof. Omenyo noted that, the Course would be more research-oriented through the use of modern technology in research and teaching. He urged the matriculants to maximize resources made available at the University of Ghana and the Learning Centres located in 8 Regional capitals in the country.

The Acting Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, Prof. Jonathan Fletcher, in his presentation indicated that the MA Programme has received positive feedback from colleagues in the University of Ghana and other educational institutions. He noted that through the programme, the students would have the opportunity to engage in different modern learning methods particularly through e-learning. He assured the students of an academic environment where faculty, administrators and staff, are dedicated to ensure that the University’s highest traditions of learning are carried out in a congenial manner. He outlined the course structure, comprising of 6 core subjects and 2 electives.

Prof. Fletcher called on the graduate students to demonstrate diligence, discipline and dedication towards their studies, reminding them to as well attend all lecture sessions, complete all assignments and engage in vigorous self-learning.

The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Kwadwo Ofori, briefed the matriculants about the functions of the School of Graduate Studies. He noted that the Graduate School is responsible for approving all graduate programmes, supervising students undertaking course work, dissertations and long essays, as well as instituting and enforcing rules and regulations. He called on the students to utilize the advisory services offered by the School of Graduate Studies and pursue their studies seriously.

The Vice-Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Ama de-Graft Aikins in her remarks, welcomed the students and congratulated them on their successful admission. While emphasizing that the orientation serves the purpose of showcasing what the University expects of them as students, she noted that the two-year programme was standardized to suit their individual careers. Prof. de-Graft Aikins entreated them to make good use of the Balme Library and other libraries on Campus, which have been greatly upgraded for study purposes.

Mrs. Theodosia Adanu, Senior Assistant Librarian and e-learning specialist, provided an overview of the facilities and resources within the Balme Library and other libraries on Campus. She reminded the graduate students to first sign up through a biometric registration system, as well as to frequent the Libraries, use the available spaces such as the Research Commons, the 24 hour Reading Room and the Information Access Centre (IAC) for all their academic work. She lauded the University Management for refurbishing the Libraries with contemporary books, research aids as well as access to wireless internet. She expressed confidence that the upgrade of the Libraries would significantly enable students to undertake research and do their studies more flexibly.

Mr. Michael Antwi, Accountant at the Students’ Accounts Office, took the matriculants through the rudiments of making financial transactions with banks approved by the University of Ghana. He advised the students to be circumspect with giving information when making payments at the banks.  These he emphasized, would help students receive tuition and enjoy residential facilities smoothly.

The Matriculation oath was administered by the College Secretary of the College of Education, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah. In attendance were the Senior Assistant Registrar at the School of Graduate Studies, Mr. John Kromoah and the Senior Assistant Registrar for the School of Education and Leadership, Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah. The President of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Legon Branch. Mr. Justice Surugu, was present to brief the matriculants on the functions of GRASAG.