Winneba (C/R), Oct. 30, GNA - Government has approved the request by the University of Education, Winneba to establish a campus at Ajumako in the Central Region in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service. The campus would be housed in the premises of the former Institute of Ghanaian Language at Ajumako. Professor Dominic Fobi, Minister of Education, Science and Sports, announced this at the 13th congregation of the university at Winneba. He hoped that this collaboration would be mutually beneficial to the Ghana Education Service and the university in terms of staff development.

Professor Fobi said since assuming office, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government had supported the expansion of infrastructure on the campuses of all higher institutions, in particular the three campuses of the UEW.

"Even though this University has many urgent needs, I wish to assure you that government will not relent in its effort at ensuring that those challenges are addressed fully in order to facility effective learning and research."

Professor Fobi said Government had noted the efforts the University was making to address some of its challenges such as ageing faculty and coping with large student numbers. The Minister said government had been implementing the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy II and the university featured prominently in the government's Human Resources Development Strategy. He said, under the programme, government aimed at ensuring the development of knowledge, well-trained and disciplined labour force with greater commitment to nation building.

The minister said while government had focused on strengthening quality and expanding access at the basic level education through its various intervention programmes, it would not renege on its duty to provide quality tertiary education.

"Government has noted that the University of Education is improving the quality of Teaching and Learning through a judicious application of the Teaching and Learning Education," he said. He said government recognises the importance of Science and Technology in a nation's development and would continue to strengthen the area to make it responsive to national aspirations. He added that female participation in the study of science and technology would be promoted. The Vice-Chancellor of the UEW, Professor Akwesi Asabere-Ameyaw in his annual report reiterated the mission of the university, which is to train teachers and administrators for the country's educational institution. He thanked the government for her continuing support to the university.