UEW to Launch Seed Funding Programme for Graduate Entrepreneurs
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has announced a major institutional shift to tackle graduate unemployment through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Speaking at a consultative session at the Council Chamber of UEW on Friday, 10th April, 2026, Prof. Mitchual stated that UEW was repositioning itself beyond its traditional focus on teacher education to embrace a broader mandate of producing self-reliant graduates. He noted that while teaching remained a core pillar of the university, current global and national realities required a more dynamic approach to higher education.
He emphasised that unemployment remained one of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana and the African continent, stressing that addressing it could significantly resolve many national development issues. According to him, the University had reflected critically on the fate of its over 10,000 annual graduates and resolved not to contribute to the growing number of job seekers.
Prof. Mitchual explained that UEW’s new direction prioritised outcomes rather than merely adding to existing academic programmes. He indicated that the University was restructuring its curriculum to equip students with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and a mindset geared towards innovation and self-sufficiency.
He announced that, through strategic partnerships with African government-led organisations, entrepreneurship education would be integrated across all disciplines. “Whether a student studies the arts, sciences or education, they will be equipped with the mindset and skills of an innovator,” he said.
Prof. Mitchual further revealed that the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund would be refocused to support student innovation and entrepreneurship. He disclosed that the University would provide start-up capital to students who demonstrate the ability to transform their ideas into viable business ventures before graduation.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the presence of distinguished personalities at the UEW Public Lecture Series, noting that their participation underscored a shared commitment to national development. He remarked that their experiences in governance, law and education served as inspiration for students to aspire to excellence and resilience.
He reiterated that UEW aimed to position itself as an incubator for the next generation of Ghanaian innovators and entrepreneurs. By aligning academic training with global market demands and providing financial support for start-ups, he said, the university sought to ensure that its graduates become creators of value rather than dependants on limited public-sector employment.
This initiative is integral to a comprehensive transformative agenda that seeks to empower students to independently cultivate sustainable futures rather than relying exclusively on government employment opportunities.
