The Principal of St Joseph’s College of Education, Dr Isaac Godfred Antwi, has called on newly trained teachers to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and other emerging technologies as essential tools in modern-day teaching and learning.

Addressing the 14th Congregation of the College at Bechem in the Ahafo Region, Dr Antwi emphasized that the future of education depends heavily on the ability of educators to innovate and adapt to fast-evolving technological trends.

A total of 114 students of the 4-year Bachelor of Education programme graduated with First Class honors including 53 females, 215 Second Class Upper Division and 20 graduands obtained Second Class Lower Division. No graduands obtained a third Class.

“Technology is no longer a luxury in education – it is a necessity. Our survival and relevance as teachers will depend on how well we integrate AI, machine learning, and digital platforms into our classrooms,” he stated.

He said as the world transitions into a digital-first society, teachers must move beyond traditional chalk-and-talk methods and take advantage of smart tools that enhance student engagement and academic outcomes.

Dr Antwi urged the graduates to become lifelong learners, continuously upgrading their skills to meet the demands of 21st-century learners.

He also commended the government and stakeholders for ongoing efforts to digitalize Ghana’s education system and called for more investment in ICT infrastructure in basic schools.

He reminded the graduands of the importance of the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their time in the college will serve them well in the years to come.

"Our college has always emphasized the importance of Integrity, Hard work, Honesty, Humility, Compassion, and a commitment to social justice. I hope these values will remain central to
your lives and your work" the Principal noted.

Dr Antwi urged them to shine to transform the communities in which you will find yourselves. Remember again that you are worthy ambassadors of the college, lift high the banner of JOSCO wherever you find yourselves.

He hailed Dr. Andrews Kwame Yirenkyi Agyemang of the Science Department of the college, for winning the best Content Creator, Mastercard and KNUST E-learning Masterclass and Content Creation Training (Cohorts 3 and 4) for KNUST-affiliated institutions.

In addition, he noted, 15 of the faculty members are serving as School Improvement Advisors (SIAS), who train leaders of Senior High schools on leadership skills, preparation of school Improvement Plan and above all support them in executing the plans.

Again, the Principal stated, students from this College won the pedagogy challenge ASHBA Zone and
went on to claim the second position at the National level with a cash prize and a printer.

Dr Antwi indicated that the College was adjudged the overall best for the female category at the ASHBA Sports Competition last year, winning a total of seven trophies, thereby cementing its position as a center for all-round student development.

He expressed gratitude to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Faculty of Educational Studies of KNUST, faculty and staff members and Stakeholders who have supported the college to become vibrant and dynamic institution.

Charles Asiedu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South Constituency, in his address charged the graduands to abhor compromising integrity in their endeavours to meet society's challenges.

He entreated the graduating students to hold strictly to the values of truthfulness, respect, stewardship, commitment and patriotism earned during their period at the College.

"Let people around you witness the positive impact of the skills and knowledge acquired in school. Be worthy ambassadors of the college. Together we can make JOSCO great and strong," Mr Charles Asiedu said.

The event brought together stakeholders in the education sector, traditional authorities, alumni, government officials and families of the graduating class, who has been urged to support the professional growth of teachers in the digital age.

Source: Emmanuel Adu Gyamfi