The Department of Teacher Education, University of Ghana, has marked 10 years of dedicated commitment to training the next generation of teachers in Ghana with a call to expand STEM education and technology to drive national development.

Speaking at the department’s 10th anniversary sporting event on Saturday, Joseph Oduro-Nkansah, Registrar of the Department of Teacher Education, described the milestone as more than just an achievement. 

“This is not mere achievement, it's something that we need to support and appreciate. For the years that they have committed to supporting in training of trainers of education in Ghana,” he said.

Mr. Oduro-Nkansah challenged the Department of Teacher Education to maintain its positive trajectory over the next decade by focusing on curriculum quality, expansion, and especially STEM education and technology. 

“So that the next 10 years we see further progress in the department, we see expansion, we see improvement in quality of the curriculum, expansion of especially STEM education, and technology, which basically is the order of the day today, so that we are able to support the country towards improvement in the economy,” he stated.

The registrar noted that the Department of Teacher Education was established in 2014 when the University of Ghana restructured from faculties to colleges. 

The department currently comprises three schools: the School of Information and Communication Studies, the School of Education and Leadership, and the School of Continuing and Distance Education. 

The Department of Teacher Education sits under the School of Education and Leadership and has been championing teacher training since 2016.

Highlighting its achievements, Mr Oduro-Nkansah said the department has recorded 100% pass rate in the licensure examinations since it started, outperforming many traditional colleges of education. 

“Beyond that, our college is also mentoring six of the colleges of education. So, as part of the mentoring process, our Department of Teacher Education also provides expertise to support this activity,” he added.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration, eight teams from eight departments are participating in sporting activities to promote “sportsmanship, sports friendship, and sports unity of purpose”.

A main durbar will be held on Thursday at the Great Hall, expected to host dignitaries from government and the University of Ghana.

“The college only wishes them all the best, and we're challenging them to go beyond what they have achieved so far, and bring honor and dignity to the University of Ghana,” the registrar concluded.