Jackson University College (JUC) has graduated 877 newly trained teachers during its 13th Graduation ceremony held in Kumasi, under the theme “Inspiring Excellence, Driving Change.”
The ceremony celebrated newly trained teachers conferred with degrees and diplomas from the Bachelor of Education programmes in Upper Primary, Early Grade, and JHS–French, as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
In her address, the Principal of Jackson University College, Mrs. Theodosia Wilhelmina Jackson, indicated that out of the total number, 629 specialised in Upper Primary Education, 178 in Early Grade Education, and 14 in French, underscoring the university’s strategic focus on addressing teacher shortages in foundational and language education across the country.
She reaffirmed the institution’s mission to produce competent, compassionate, and future-ready teachers, particularly 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,” Mrs. Jackson stated.
She announced that beginning the next academic year, Jackson University College will offer GTEC-accredited postgraduate programmes, including Master of Education, Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Master of Science degrees in areas such as Educational Leadership, Guidance and Counselling, Mathematics Education, English Education, and Early Grade Education.
“These flexible, practice-based programmes will be delivered entirely online to provide opportunities for working professionals to advance their education,” she stated.
Mrs Jackson highlighted JUC’s hallmark training model, the ‘‘Semester-Supported Teaching’’ initiative, a structured, field-based programme that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
‘‘Through this initiative, student teachers gain real-world classroom experience under the mentorship of seasoned educators, with the practical component accounting for 30 per cent of their final grade, she said. ‘‘Trainees gain critical hands-on experience, learning to adapt teaching methods to varied learning styles and real-world challenges.’’
She mentioned that the university further strengthens this practical focus through micro-teaching, macro-teaching, and action research projects, reinforcing the university’s practical focus.
As Ghana’s first private college of education to fully embrace blended and distance learning, she revealed that Jackson University College currently operates through 30 learning centres across 13 regions. She added that the institution leverages modern digital tools to make teacher education accessible to learners from all backgrounds, particularly those in remote or disadvantaged areas.
The Principal announced that one of JUC’s most remarkable initiatives, the Education Behind Bars Programme, which provides inmates with access to teacher education, reflects the university’s belief in the power of education to rehabilitate, restore dignity, and offer incarcerated individuals a second chance at life through learning and service. “In the next academic year, a new centre will be opened at the Kumasi Central Prison, where inmates will begin classes in January,” she disclosed. “This initiative contributes to national development by transforming lives behind bars.”
Mrs. Jackson further emphasised the university’s strong integration of Information Technology (IT) into its curriculum, ensuring that graduates acquire digital literacy and employable skills relevant to today’s learning environment.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu commended JUC for its leadership and innovation in advancing teacher education through digital and inclusive learning. He advised 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 noted.
Mr. Owusu urged the graduates to use their training to inspire children in remote and under-resourced communities by helping them aspire to become professionals in all fields of endeavour.
Delivering words of encouragement, Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawoso I, Omanhene Kyeame of the Juaben Traditional Area and President-General of the Eminent West Africa Nobles Forum (EWANF), advised the graduates to let humility, diligence, godliness, and forgiveness define their conduct as they embark on their professional journeys.
During the 13th congregation, Mr. John Dorbin and Mrs. Olive Naa Amorkor Debrah-Minkah were honoured as Valedictorians for the B. ED and PGDE programmes, respectively.
