Jackson University College (JUC) continues to distinguish itself as a beacon of innovation and excellence in Ghana’s teacher education landscape.
At its 13th Congregation held in Kumasi, 877 newly trained teachers were conferred with degrees and diplomas, ready to take on the noble task of shaping the nation’s future through transformative teaching.
The ceremony, held under the theme: ‘Inspiring Excellence, Driving Change,” celebrated graduates who pursued Bachelor of Education programmes in Upper Primary, Early Grade, and JHS-French, as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
Of the total, 629 specialised in upper-primary education, 178 in early-grade education, and 14 in French, reflecting the school’s strategic emphasis on addressing critical teacher shortages in foundational learning and language education.
Mrs Theodosia Wilhelmina Jackson, Principal of JUC, reaffirmed the institution’s mission to produce competent, compassionate, and future-ready teachers, especially for Ghana’s underserved and rural communities.
“Our graduates are not only trained to teach; they are trained to transform. “We prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and communities in need,” she said.
A hallmark of Jackson University College’s training model is its “Semester-Supported Teaching” initiative, a structured field experience programme that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Student teachers are placed in real classroom environments to work alongside experienced mentors, a process that accounts for 30 percent of their final grade.
Through this immersive approach, trainees gain critical hands-on experience, learning to adapt teaching methods to varied learning styles and real-world challenges.
Complementary initiatives such as micro-teaching, macro-teaching, and action research projects further reinforce the university’s practical focus.
Recognised as Ghana’s first private college of education to fully adopt blended and distance learning, JUC operates through 30 learning centers across 13 regions.
The institution leverages modern digital tools to make teacher education accessible to learners from all backgrounds, particularly those in remote or disadvantaged areas.
One of the most inspiring initiatives of the university college is the Education Behind Bars Programme, a groundbreaking project that provides inmates with access to quality teacher education.
This initiative reflects Jackson University College’s belief in the power of education to rehabilitate and restore dignity, offering incarcerated individuals a second chance at life through learning and service.
Mrs Jackson also highlighted the university’s strong integration of Information Technology (IT) into its curriculum, equipping students with digital literacy and employable skills beyond the classroom.
Mr Stephen Kwaku Owusu, a representative of the Ministry of Education, praised Jackson University College for its trailblazing role in teacher education and digital learning.
He urged graduates to measure their success not merely by their certificates but by the impact they make on their communities.
“The teacher is not just a dispenser of knowledge. They are mentors, role models, and innovators who nurture the next generation to think critically, dream boldly, and act responsibly,” he stated.
He called on the graduates to bring hope and vision to children in remote and under-resourced communities by helping them aspire to become professionals in all fields of endeavor.
GNA
