UEW Pro-VC Urges Student Leaders to Prioritise Integrity, Service and Purpose
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, has urged newly elected student leaders to anchor their tenure on service, integrity, accountability and a clear sense of purpose.
She reminded the audience that student leadership is not a badge of popularity or a reflection of voting power but a profound call to responsibility, sacrifice and impactful service.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu made the call at the opening of a three-day workshop for newly elected student leaders, organised by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs (ODSA) at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre from Wednesday, 16th to Friday, 18th September, 2026.
Addressing the newly elected leaders, she reminded them that their election entrusted them with the confidence of their fellow students, which they must preserve through responsible and inclusive leadership. She urged the leaders to represent all students regardless of their backgrounds, opinions, interests or voting preferences. She stressed the need to remain accessible, fair, respectful and attentive to diverse perspectives.
“Do not be leaders only for those who voted for you. Lead everyone,” she said, while encouraging them to listen to both the quietest students and the most vocal members of the student body.
On integrity, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor cautioned the student leaders against misusing student funds, abusing their positions or allowing friendships, political affiliations and personal interests to influence decisions and the distribution of support. She urged them to demonstrate the courage to acknowledge and correct their mistakes, noting that leadership demanded principled conduct even when no one was watching.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu further challenged the new executives to prioritise listening as a central pillar of their leadership strategy. She encouraged them to pay attention to students’ concerns about academic difficulties, financial challenges, accommodation, transportation, welfare, safety, academic resources and campus facilities.
She further urged the newly elected leaders to move beyond complaints and focus on practical solutions to challenges confronting students. Where complete solutions were not immediately possible, she encouraged them to bring relevant stakeholders together to find answers and reduce the impact of problems.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu also cautioned against using student leadership as a platform for division. She urged the leaders to build bridges across the University’s diverse cultural, regional, religious, political, academic and social communities.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor further reminded the student leaders to balance their leadership responsibilities with academic excellence. She encouraged them to manage their time effectively, attend lectures, study, prepare adequately for examinations and seek help when necessary.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu urged the leaders to focus on the legacy they would leave behind. She charged the newly elected leaders to “serve before you seek recognition,” reminding them that UEW’s mandate extended beyond preparing students for careers to preparing them for life, citizenship and leadership in society. She congratulated the newly elected student leaders and wished them a tenure characterised by unity, accountability, excellence and meaningful service.
The three-day ODSA workshop aimed to equip the newly elected student leaders with the knowledge and orientation to fulfill their responsibilities as leaders.
