The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed his commitment to integrating teachers trained at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) into the Ghana Education Service (GES). This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by a delegation from UEW, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, on Monday, 24th February 2025.
Hon. Iddrisu acknowledged that despite the comprehensive training received by UEW graduates, the Ministry of Education has not optimally utilised them in teacher recruitment. He assured the university’s leadership that he would address this issue to ensure that UEW-trained educators are properly absorbed into the system. This pledge brings renewed hope to UEW graduates who have faced difficulties securing employment within GES.
During the meeting, the UEW delegation presented several pressing concerns affecting the university. These included challenges related to the appointment of its Governing Council, land encroachment and legal disputes, staffing shortages, and employment uncertainties. In response, the Minister assured them of the Ministry’s willingness to tackle these issues effectively.
One of the major announcements during the discussion was the upcoming rollout of the National Research Fund later in the year. This initiative aims to provide funding for academic research across various disciplines, and the Minister encouraged UEW to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Regarding staffing constraints, Hon. Iddrisu addressed UEW’s concerns about government clearance requirements hindering the replacement of retiring or departing staff. He revealed that he had already engaged the Minister of Finance to find a resolution.
Another critical issue raised was land encroachment, which continues to pose a challenge for the university. The Minister expressed his full support in protecting UEW’s lands and assured the institution of his readiness to intervene. He encouraged the university to notify him of any necessary correspondence with the Lands Commission so he could ensure that UEW’s land ownership is legally safeguarded.
On the matter of Governing Council appointments, Hon. Iddrisu disclosed that all university councils would be reconstituted by 30th March 2025. He stated that he had already engaged the President and other key stakeholders to ensure a transparent and legally compliant selection process. The Minister further explained that institutional representation would be sought directly from universities, with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) facilitating the nomination process.
Hon. Iddrisu emphasized his eagerness to collaborate with UEW in enhancing higher education in Ghana. He assured the university’s leadership of the government’s commitment to expanding access to education, improving governance, and ensuring financial sustainability for tertiary institutions.
“I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you. I assure you that I will make every effort to expand access to higher education, enhance its relevance, and ensure both equity and quality,” he stated.
Source: GESHub.org
