Department of Applied Linguistics Congratulates Newly Appointed CoLANGE Principal
A delegation from the Department of Applied Linguistics at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has formally congratulated the newly appointed principal for the College of Languages Education, Prof. (Mrs.) Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey.
The delegation led by Dr. Rogers Krobea Asante, Head of the Department of Applied Linguistics paid a courtesy to the Principal. Dr. Asante expressed deep gratitude for her dedication and visionary leadership over the years. “We are here to warmly congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment and resumption to the high office of the principal of the college,” he said, adding that her appointment reflects years of hard work, commitment, and a unique leadership style marked by firmness and approachability.
Dr. Asante noted her instrumental role in securing office spaces for the Department of Applied Linguistics and Faculty of Foreign Languages Education, including the new lecture block. He also commended the Principal for her efforts in introducing the Chinese language as a course at the university, stating, “Your vision and leadership in that initiative inspired many of us to join the university.” He assured the Principal of the department’s ongoing support.
Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey expressed gratitude for the head of the department’s pledge of support, emphasising the shared responsibility of driving the growth of the college. “Our very existence depends on the growth of the college. Without your support, that growth will not materialise,” she stated.
The Principal highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce a Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Chinese, which is currently awaiting approval. She noted that the programme, once established, would initially be housed under Applied Linguistics with expectations to eventually develop into a full-fledged Department of Chinese. Drawing parallels, she shared the success story of the German unit within the French department, which now independently offers a BA programme.
“We must design programmes that attract students not only from Ghana but also internationally,” she urged. She emphasised that such efforts would not only enhance the global visibility of the college but also foster staff and student mobility, giving the institution an international edge.
Addressing challenges with undergraduate enrolment, Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey highlighted the competitive tertiary education landscape and the impact of changes in the secondary school curriculum. She proposed strengthening postgraduate offerings as a solution. “We must tap into the postgraduate market, which remains relatively untouched. But to do that, we need more qualified lecturers capable of supervising and delivering at that level,” she noted.
Mr. Alexander W. Essah, College Registrar, on his part, praised the newly appointed Principal for her swift and strategic engagement with stakeholders since assuming office on 1st October, 2024. He highlighted key visits made by the Principal to various stakeholders, including faculty members in Winneba and Ajumako, as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen institutional collaboration and assess departmental needs. “These visits are essential to fostering cooperation and ensuring smooth operations,” he remarked.
The College Registrar underscored the importance of collective support, adding, “We are all in full support to make this endeavour succeed.” His words reinforced the unity among faculty members and staff in advancing the principal’s vision for the college.
The visit reinforced the unity among faculty members and staff in advancing the Principal's vision for the college.
