Jackson University College (JUC) marked a significant milestone with its first-ever graduation for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme, themed “Education: The Passport to Global Citizenship”.

Eight pioneering students, each with a unique academic journey and having already earned degrees in diverse fields, proudly received their Postgraduate Diploma in Education certificates from the affiliated university, the University of Education, Winneba. The culmination of their academic pursuits was celebrated at a colourful ceremony at the head office in Kumasi.

The occasion was honoured by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Akyempemhene of Juaben Traditional Area and CEO of Siriboe Farms, Oheneba Yaw Sarpong Siriboe I, as the guest of honour. The guest speaker was the Municipal Director of Education for Oforikrom, Mrs Dorothy Opare-Baidu. Other notable attendees included the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Victor Antwi; the Vice Council Chair of JUC, Prof. Mrs Ernestina Fredua Antoh; the Director of JUC, Prof. Ebenezer A. Jackson; the Principal of Jackson College of Education (JCE), Mrs. Theodosia W. Jackson, the Registrar of Jackson College of Education (JCE), Mr Ebenezer A. Jackson Jr. and the Dean of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies, Mr Dominic Nti among other council members and lecturers of the programme.

In his address, the guest of honour, Oheneba Yaw Sarpong Siriboe I, appreciated the graduates’ efforts to pursue education even after obtaining their degrees in other disciplines. He urged them not to relent in their efforts to show others the way to greatness they have achieved at Jackson College of Education.

“I urge you to use what has been embedded in you. Your fruits will attract others to pursue higher education at Jackson College of Education”.

He further commended JCE as a pioneering advocate and champion of Education 4.0 in Ghana, a testament to the institution’s commitment to innovation and progress in education.

Mrs Dorothy Opare-Baidu, the Oforikrom Municipal Director of Education, urged the graduating class to step out boldly and spread the knowledge they have acquired to help shift the focus of education from merely passing examinations to building character and nurturing values, raising literate and confident citizens who can think critically.

The valedictorian, Miss Rosemary Arkor Abadji, while delivering her valedictorian speech, acknowledged the exceptional education offered at JCE, highlighting the innovative teaching and learning methods through the use of the state-of-the-art audio-visual studio, which allowed them to enjoy the conduct of lectures from any location seamlessly. She also admonished her fellow graduates to embody the lessons and values of respect, integrity, lifelong learning, and stewardship, among others, they have learned at JCE.

Expressing her delight at the momentous achievement of the pioneering PGDE graduates, the Principal of JCE, Mrs Theodosia W. Jackson, highlighted the rationale for the introduction of the PGDE programme, stating that the PGDE was to aid individuals who desired to teach or administer schools in gaining the requisite knowledge and qualifications to do so.

She also outlined the College’s unwavering commitment to training non-education degree holders and personnel through teaching, research, and other educational engagements to become first-class professional teachers, educators, and facilitators for various and diverse educational establishments.

The PGDE Programme Now

The PGDE programme, now in its second year, has grown from its initial cohort of eight students to a thriving community of sixty-two individuals.

Jackson University College is proud to have played a significant role in the academic journey of these graduates and is committed to continuing to make strides in providing quality education and innovation in the field of education.