“Students are so Important” – UEW Vice-Chancellor
Students of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have been described as important assets in the University. They were assured of equal rights and fair treatment in the University.
The assurance was given on Friday, 26th October, 2018 during Management’s meeting with the Student Leadership held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus, Winneba. Management admired Students for the key role that they play in the University.
“For the sake of the level 100 students, I want to elucidate that this is the fourth time we are meeting the Student Leadership. So, this is an initiative of Management to ensure regular interaction with our students who are at the centre of what we do here. The reason for bringing Management, Administrators and Academic Heads here is to give you a true understanding of what we believe in.
“I believe strongly that if you were not here, I would not be here. Anthony Afful-Broni believes strongly that if I disrespect students and if I don’t take care of students and if I don’t provide the needs of students then I have no business being in any responsible position.
“Students are so important that I will never disregard any student and I will empower students to the extent that I have told you my salary comes from your school fees. I want every student here to know that if you have a need, you have a right to come to me and tell me and I have the responsibility to do whatever I can to provide them; otherwise, I have no business sitting in that office.” The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful-Broni said.
The Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq. stated “the purpose of this interaction is to bring our administration closer to you the students so that you can also air your views and assess how our journey of molding you into proper, respectable and future leaders of this nation keeps going. In fact, our interaction with you has given us a lot of insight into your affairs and we are here to see to your stay on campus”.
The Registrar urged them to point out whatever grievances, expectations and commendations they had for Management.
The Student Leadership expressed lots of concerns during the open forum. Management responded constructively and promised to continue to be a receptive administration.
Some of the issues raised by students included limited internship period, revision of re-sit fees, inadequate accommodation, exorbitant rent charged by private hostel owners, Student-Lecturer relations, amongst others. The students commended Management for the forum and implored them to continue holding it as scheduled on every last Friday of every month.
Among Management, Academic Heads and Administrators present were the Ag. Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal, College of Agriculture Education, Prof. James Kagya-Agyemang; Ag. Principal, College of Technology Education, Prof. Fredrick K. Sarfo; Ag. Finance Officer, Mr. Bruno B. Chirani; University Librarian, Mr. Viscount B. Buer; Director, Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development (ITECPD), Prof. Dominic K. D. Mensah; Dean, Faculty of Foreign Languages Education and Communication, Dr. Andy Ofori-Birikorang; Director, Institute for Distance and e-Learning (IDeL), Prof. Francis Owusu-Mensah; Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Ernest K. Amponsah; Heads of Department and Examination Officers.
Some University Officials present at the Meeting
Others included the Deputy Registrar and Head, Department of Publishing and Web Development, Mr. Jerry Addison Anyan; Head, University Relations Office and Media, Obaapanin Adu Oforiwaa; Head, Engineering, Works and Maintenance, Mr. Richard N. Okyere; Estate Officer, Mr. John. K. Oppong; Presidents of various Student Bodies on campus (GRASAG, SRC, NUGS) and Managers of Kwegyir Aggrey, Ghartey and Simpa Halls.
229 Student Leaders consisting of Executives of Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Distance Education Students’ Association (DESA), National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and Class Representatives were present.