By Dennis Peprah, GNA
Fiapre, (Bono), May 25, GNA – The Catholic University of Ghana (GUG) on Monday held a special matriculation ceremony for the first batch of students to pursue a Special Post Graduate Diploma in Education (SPGDE) programme at the institution.
According to Professor Matthew Glover Addo, the Vice-Chancellor of the CUG, the National Teaching Council (NTC) provided the details of 341 candidates for consideration by CUG for admission; however, 75 of them were successfully enrolled.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the University’s main campus at Fiapre, near Sunyani, Prof Addo said five universities in the country, including the CUG, were selected for the programme.
He said the admission of the students marked a significant milestone in the history of the university, saying that: “The ceremony isn’t only a celebration of academic pursuit but also a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to quality education and professional excellence”.
Prof Addo explained that the SPGDE was initiated by section 67 (1) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, Act 1023 to train non-professional teachers, saying that it would increase the number of professional teachers in rural communities.
He advised the students as pioneers to be dedicated, and visionary, disciplined, saying that the SPGDE programme was a strategic collaboration between the CUG and the University of Ghana and the NTC aimed at strengthening teacher professionalism and improving the quality of education in the country.
The partnership further demonstrates the collective resolve of both institutions to promote continuous professional development among teachers and enhance the overall standard of teaching and learning.
Prof Addo said the NTC’s involvement provided credibility, professional direction, and national relevance to the programme, while the CUG contributed its academic expertise, experienced faculty, and commitment to holistic education.
“This collaboration seeks to produce competent, ethical, and professionally trained educators who will contribute meaningfully to national development and educational transformation”, he stated.
Prof Addo noted that the world of education was rapidly evolving, noting that: “The demands placed on teachers today go beyond subject knowledge alone”.
He said teaching and learning were dynamic, adding that modern teaching required professional pedagogical skills, classroom management techniques, educational psychology, assessment strategies, and ethical professionalism.
This SPGDE Programme has, therefore, been carefully designed to provide non-professional teachers with the necessary professional competence required to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
“For this programme, the CUG has assembled qualified lecturers, experienced educationists, and seasoned practitioners who are dedicated to equipping you with both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills”, the Vice Chancellor stated.
Prof Addo said though the programme spanned between 16 and 21 weeks, it had been structured intensively to ensure that the students receive rigorous academic training that meets national and international standards.
“Our goal is not merely to award certificates but to produce competent, ethical, innovative, and transformational educators who will positively influence society”, he stated and expressed concern about the reluctance of professional staff to accept postings to rural communities.
He said: “In most rural schools, the situation is alarming and even transfers to cities after serving a few years” and commended the students for their readiness to work in rural communities.
Prof Addo encouraged them to approach their studies with seriousness, discipline, humility, and determination, asking them to make good use of the knowledge, experience, and mentorship available to them through their lecturers and colleagues.
“Remain focused despite the demands of work, family, and academic life and endeavour to uphold the values of integrity, punctuality, hard work, and academic honesty throughout your stay in this university,” he advised.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Dennis Peprah
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