Govt approves GH¢362 million for tertiary research

The government is determined to provide adequate funding to colleges of education, creating an environment that fosters relevance to both national and international development through research and innovative, high-quality teaching and learning that is ICT-driven. 

To this end, it has approved GH¢ 362,429, 568.00 for the payment of book and research allowances payable to eligible senior members of public tertiary institutions across the country.

The Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie, who made this known, said the government was dedicated to creating fair opportunities for staff members to advance in their careers, ensuring that educational institutions become self-sufficient in terms of human resources.

He was speaking at the 14th graduation ceremony of the Jasikan College of Education on the theme, “Overcoming challenges of the teaching profession: the role of character, innovation and creativity”. 

Facilities

Prof. Dzakadzie stated that the government was providing all necessary infrastructure and other academic facilities to enable the effective fulfillment of their primary responsibility as teacher trainers.

“In this context, I wish to reassure that the 300-bed capacity hostel projects in the 46 colleges of education are progressing despite some initial setbacks.

On this note, let me also assure the Jasikan College of Education that all projects commenced by the government will be completed in due course,” she said

He reassured members of CETAG across the country that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) would soon start the implementation of the audit report in all colleges of education without fear or favour.

“When confronted with issues that demand collective efforts to discover solutions, let’s engage the ministry in the spirit of truth and honesty based on an awareness of present conditions and available resources,” he stressed.

STEM education

Prof. Dzakadzie said the Ministry of Education was committed to enabling all children to reach their full potential as valuable members of society by providing equitable, inclusive and high-quality education and opportunities for lifelong learning.

In that vein, he disclosed that the ministry had embarked on STEM road shows after successfully holding it at the Accra High School in the Greater Accra Region and another one at Abomosu in the Eastern Region, urging the general public to participate fully in such road shows.

He explained that the road shows were meant to create awareness of the significance of STEM education and inspired students to pursue careers in that field.

“The road shows received overwhelming participation from students and educators, as well as distinguished citizens.

The emphasis was the importance of STEM education in driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development,” Prof. Dzakadzie added.

He explained that there was the need to equip Ghanaian students with the STEM knowledge and skills to excel in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, stating that the success of the two shows, “mark the beginning of a nationwide campaign to enhance stem education in Ghana”.

Prof. Dzakadzie announced that the second edition of STEMNNOVATION competition was duly launched on July 3, 2023 at the Accra Technical Training Institute in the Greater Accra Region.

He explained that the nationwide competition aimed to inspire and promote creativity and critical thinking among students, while fostering a passion for STEM Education.

“Building upon the success of the inaugural edition, which attracted hundreds of participating schools and showcased remarkable talent, the Ministry of Education is determined to expand and enhance the competition even further this year,” Prof. Dzakadzie added.