UEW Participates in AAU Workshop on Enhancing Global Visibility of African Universities
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has participated in the 3rd Association of African Universities (AAU) Workshop focused on Positioning Universities for Global Visibility. This participation aims to enhance the university's global profile and its international competitiveness.
Representing UEW at the three-day workshop was Prof. Enoch F. Sam, the Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID). The workshop, jointly organised by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and KCA University, was held from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th July, 2026, at the Kenyan School of Monetary Studies (KSMS) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The gathering brought together Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Directors and other senior university leaders from across the continent to explore practical strategies for enhancing the visibility, reputation and competitiveness of African universities while remaining responsive to national development priorities.
Discussions centred on the growing significance of global university rankings as valuable tools for institutional improvement. Participants examined how rankings can help universities identify strengths and address gaps in critical areas such as research visibility, data quality, internationalisation, digital presence and strategic partnerships. Through structured self-assessment exercises, institutions evaluated their performance in research output, staff profiles, stakeholder engagement and online visibility. This underscores the need for deliberate, evidence-based action to drive sustainable improvement.
A key focus of the workshop was strategic communication and institutional branding. Facilitators emphasised that a university's reputation is built not merely through promotional campaigns but through authentic storytelling supported by measurable achievements. Participants were encouraged to communicate research impact, student accomplishments, alumni successes, innovation initiatives and community engagement efforts more strategically to strengthen institutional visibility.
The workshop also highlighted the increasing importance of digital technologies in higher education. Sessions explored the role of search engine optimisation (SEO), effective content management and user-centred website design in enhancing global reach. Participants further examined how social media and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming stakeholder engagement and institutional visibility. Universities were encouraged to adopt responsible AI practices while leveraging digital platforms to expand their influence and attract students, researchers, development partners and funding opportunities.
The knowledge and insights gained from the workshop are expected to support UEW's ongoing efforts to advance research excellence, innovation, internationalisation and strategic communication. The University's participation aligns with its broader vision of strengthening its global standing while continuing to deliver impactful teaching, research, innovation and community service.
