Three hundred and ninety-one (391) students have been honoured at the maiden College of Education Studies Deans’ Award ceremony at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The event celebrated 71 students from the Faculty of Educational Foundations; 207 from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Education and 113 from the Faculty of Science and Technology Education for their academic hard work.

The ceremony acknowledged the efforts of students at levels 200 to 400 who have obtained a CGPA of 3.6 and above.

The event, on the theme, “Promoting Excellence in Tomorrow’s Educators”, had the Director of the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA), Prof. Daniel Agyapong as the special guest.

While commending the awardees for their remarkable academic performance, Prof. Agyapong stressed that the world was moving towards a knowledge-based economy, where critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation would be paramount.

Director of the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA), Prof. Daniel Agyapong

Prof. Agyapong indicated that since the future workforce would need to navigate complex, interdisciplinary challenges, making lifelong learning an essential pursuit, the nature of tomorrow’s jobs should interest teachers.

“In this rapidly changing landscape, the skillset required for tomorrow’s jobs would be vastly different from today. Key skills will include digital literacy, coding, data analytics and a deep understanding of emerging technologies,” he added.

He continued, “The ability to adapt, learn, unlearn, relearn and reinvent oneself will be the hallmark of success. We must also foster a global mindset, appreciating diverse perspectives and cultural nuance to thrive in an interconnected world.”

According to Prof. Agyapong, a good teacher needs to possess “empathy and emotional intelligence, technological proficiency, visionary thinking, and lifelong learning.”

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Education, Pro. Kankam Boadu presenting a certificate of honour to an awardee

He underlined the need for teachers to be tactful and patient with their pupils, and to always work to meet approved standards.

The Director of DAPQA advised teachers to be more professional and diligent in the discharge of their duties.

Prof. Agyapong indicated that teachers should avail themselves of refresher training aimed at improving their knowledge, professional skills, and attitudes to improve learning outcomes.

Chairing the event, the Provost of the College of Education Studies, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, in a welcome address, congratulated the awardees and noted that the awards ceremony had come to stay on the calendar of the College.

He told the students to take their studies seriously to climb the academic ladder of knowledge to contribute to nation-building.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC