UEW Public Lecture: Deputy Education Minister Advocates for Educational Reform and Institutional Collaboration

Hon. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to educational reform and called for stronger institutional collaboration to drive transformative learning at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, at the UEW Public Lecture Series held on Friday, 11th April, 2025 under the theme “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures for the 21st Century,” Dr. Apaak underscored the critical role of universities like UEW in shaping Ghana’s educational future. He described the forum as timely and essential for national development.

“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s development, where the quality of education we provide today will determine the trajectory of Ghana’s future tomorrow,” he stated.

Addressing a packed auditorium of dignitaries, faculty, university administrators and students, Dr. Apaak highlighted the Ministry of Education’s ongoing interventions—including the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes (GALOP) project, curriculum reforms, STEM promotion, and digital infrastructure investments—as necessary pathways for positioning Ghanaian education in a fast-evolving global landscape.

He commended UEW for its punctuality and organisational efficiency, noting that such institutional discipline reflected the university’s seriousness about academic excellence. “In your case, you were right on time,” he remarked, contrasting UEW’s conduct with delays common at similar public events.

Dr. Apaak also called on teacher education institutions to lead in reimagining pedagogy for the 21st century. “Policy alone is not enough. We need institutions like yours to lead the charge in reimagining teacher education and research in pedagogy. Your role in training the next generation of educators is not only vital but transformative,” he said.

Encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning, he noted that their creativity and purpose would shape the future of the nation. “To the students here today, you are the future of this nation. Embrace learning not just as an end but as a lifelong pursuit.”

The Deputy Minister quoted Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He urged all stakeholders to wield this weapon wisely for the collective good of Ghana.

The lecture series, hosted by the UEW, is part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to critical dialogue, national development, and the advancement of quality teacher education.