Fijai: Professor Dora Edu-Buandoh, the first female Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has called on teachers to prioritize the integration of competence and character in their roles to model positive behaviour essential for societal transformation. She emphasized that both aspects are crucial in teaching, stating, "In teaching, character matters just as competence. A teacher who has competence but does not have good character is not a good teacher... be a good role model and mentors to your students." Prof. Edu-Buandoh made these remarks during the 17th graduation ceremony and third congregation for trained teachers and Bachelor of Education graduates at Holy Child College of Education in Fijai, located in the Western Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, Holy Child College's Principal, Dr. Francis Hull Adam, highlighted the significant improvements in academic performance over the past three years. He noted that the 2024 graduates' final results demonstrated an impressive improvement compared to the previous year's outcomes, with the college recording 25 First Class graduates across all programs in 2023. This year, with a graduating class of 325 students, the number of First-Class graduates has increased to 41, marking a notable 64 percent increase.
Dr. Adam commended the exceptional performance of the College's Early Childhood Education graduates. He pointed out that in 2024, only two graduates from this program obtained First Class honors, but this year, the number has dramatically risen to 14, with the overall best graduates emerging from the Early Childhood Education group.
The College Principal also expressed gratitude to UCC for providing effective mentorship to the college over the years, conducting comprehensive monitoring and evaluation activities each semester. He mentioned the completion of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus Hall, with a capacity of 250 students, and highlighted the need for an additional floor to transform Kathleen Marie Hall into a three-storey building from its current two-storey structure. Despite these achievements, Dr. Adam acknowledged the challenges the college faces, including outdated operational vehicles, poor internal road networks, inadequate student housing, and insufficient staff accommodations.
Addressing the students, Dr. Adam advised them to celebrate their accomplishments, take pride in their achievements, and remember to express gratitude to those who supported them throughout their journey.
