SGS-UEW Enhances Postgraduate Supervision with a Two-Day Training Workshop
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has held a two-day capacity-building workshop for postgraduate thesis supervisors to enhance the quality, consistency and ethical standards of supervision across the University.
The training began on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at the Winneba Campus, and concluded on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at the Ajumako Campus.
The workshop, themed “Understanding Supervisors’ Roles, Responsibilities, Expectations and Challenges,” brought together deans, heads of department, directors and lecturers involved in postgraduate supervision to reflect on best practices and strengthen institutional mechanisms for effective mentorship.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, who chaired the session on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, underscored the importance of postgraduate supervision to the University’s academic standing and student success. She explained that supervision lies at the heart of academic excellence and has a direct influence on research output and student completion rates.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu recounted a recent interaction with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) which emphasised the need for universities to achieve 100% completion rates for MPhil and PhD students. She noted that while such targets were ambitious, they were attainable through continuous capacity development and a renewed sense of responsibility among supervisors.
She cautioned supervisors against unethical practices such as soliciting money or sexual favours from students, describing such behaviour as evidence of emotional imbalance and a breach of research integrity. “Always ask yourself, am I emotionally balanced when supervising my students? If you demand undue favours, you compromise both your integrity and the University’s values,” she warned.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor further advised supervisors to be empathetic and professional in their interactions with students, reminding them that every supervisee deserves respect and guidance. “Supervise students the way you would want others to treat your children,” she urged, adding that the long-term reputation of the University depends on the integrity of its supervisors and the quality of its graduates.
Prof. Awaisu Imurana Braimah, Dean of SGS, praised UEW’s supervisors for their dedication and contribution to graduate education. He noted that postgraduate research supervision is central to the University’s mission of producing scholars capable of advancing knowledge and addressing national challenges.
Prof. Braimah outlined three thematic areas for the workshop: understanding supervisors’ roles and responsibilities; navigating supervisor-student relationships and providing research guidance in adherence to UEW’s writing policies. He emphasised that effective supervision requires a balance between academic rigour and empathy, adding that strong communication and trust are indispensable in the supervision process.
“Postgraduate supervision is not just about ensuring compliance with academic standards; it is about mentorship, collaboration and shaping the next generation of researchers. Together, we can build a culture of excellence that enhances UEW’s national and international reputation,” he said.
In her presentation about the ethical and professional aspects of postgraduate supervision, Prof. Patricia Mawusi Amos, Ag. Dean of the Faculty of Applied Behavioural Sciences in Education (FABSE) emphasised the need to create a research environment based on respect and accountability.
She stressed that supervision should be considered a partnership rather than a hierarchical relationship, urging supervisors to maintain open communication, provide timely feedback and avoid any form of bias or intimidation. “Supervision thrives on mutual respect and ethical responsibility. When students feel safe, supported and valued, they perform better and contribute meaningfully to research,” she explained.
Prof. Patricia Amos called on departments to institutionalise regular training and peer-review mechanisms to sustain quality assurance in postgraduate supervision. She also encouraged supervisors to remain current with evolving research methodologies and trends, noting that “quality supervision directly translates into research visibility and enhances UEW’s global academic standing.”
Prof. Akwasi Kwarteng Amoako-Gyampah, Vice-Dean of SGS, in his presentation, focused on building effective supervisory relationships and managing postgraduate research timelines. He explained that a successful supervision process begins with clarity of research objectives and a structured plan that aligns with institutional priorities.
Prof. Amoako-Gyampah cautioned that poor supervision practices, such as delayed feedback, lack of guidance and unrealistic deadlines often derail students’ progress. He urged supervisors to set clear milestones, maintain regular contact with their students and leverage digital tools to enhance communication and documentation.
He also encouraged supervisors to co-author publications with their students to enhance motivation and boost the University’s research output. “When supervisors and students collaborate on publications, it fosters mentorship and significantly contributes to UEW’s academic visibility,” he said. He concluded by calling for stronger institutional support systems that recognise and reward excellence in supervision.
The workshop reaffirmed UEW’s commitment to enhancing the quality and ethics of postgraduate supervision. By equipping supervisors with modern skills and fostering professionalism, empathy and integrity, the University seeks to strengthen research mentorship and promote timely completion of postgraduate studies. The initiative reflects UEW’s dedication to academic excellence and the cultivation of responsible, impactful scholars.
