Celebrating 75 Years of University-Based Adult and Continuing Education: SCDE'S Remarkable Journey

In a remarkable show of respect for history and academic unity, the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE) hosted an important faculty and staff durbar. The event’s theme, "75 years of University-based Adult and Continuing Education in Ghana," marked a high point in the SCDE's celebration of the University of Ghana's 75th Anniversary.

The Chairperson for the event, Professor Olivia Kwapong highlighted the SCDE's proud history within the University of Ghana.  She explained that the School was very conscious of documenting its stories, referencing the archive built during Professor Michael Tagoe’s tenure as a commendable initiative which ought to be continued.

Former Administrators of the School including; Professor Miranda Greenstreet, Professor Kate Addo-Adeku, Professor Yaw Oheneba Sakyi, and Professor Michael Tagoe, took the stage to share their stories. They talked about the evolution, growth, key moments, turning points and infrastructural investments made by the School over the years.  They also discussed projects; that had begun, been modified and those that had remained the same along with their hopes for the SCDE's role within the College and the University of Ghana. 

In his address, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, the Provost, College of Education, commended the organisers for their efforts in arranging the event.  He then urged the School to regularly visit retired Professors who have played a significant role in the progress of the School.  According to the Provost, spending time with the retired Professors does not only bring them joy but also adds a sense of excitement and unity with the School.

He also stressed the importance of knowing the School’s history and recognising one’s place within it. “I am happy to hear our predecessors sharing their stories, which is why I am very humbled standing in front of all these great stalwarts having taken the lead in bringing the School this far” he added.

Giving the closing remarks, the College Secretary, Mr. Joseph Nkansah, expressed his appreciation to the former administrators and staff for their immense efforts and contributions to the College of Education, as well as the SCDE UG @75 Planning Committee for organising such a thoughtful programme.

He said, “the programme is a noble cause which ought to be embraced by all because people who do not know where they come from would not know where they are headed to.”  He also suggested creating a museum to house historical records, envisioning it as a place of interest for tourists and a source of income for the School. 

Also present at the event were former administrators of SCDE, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, administrators, staff and students.