Akatsi: The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Research and Consultancy Centre (RCC), has initiated a two-day pilot capacity-building workshop for the academic staff of the Akatsi College of Education. The program is aimed at enhancing research capacity, academic publishing, doctoral supervision, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Felix Kumedzro, Principal of Akatsi College of Education (Akatsico), expressed gratitude to UPSA's Vice Chancellor, the RCC Director, and the UPSA team for their collaboration. He emphasized that building research and grant-writing competencies among academic staff is a strategic priority for the College. Dr. Kumedzro described the workshop as a timely and significant step in supporting Akatsico's commitment to academic excellence and institutional development.
Prof. Rufai Haruna Kilu, delivering a keynote address on behalf of Prof. Alexander Preko, the Director of UPSA Research and Consultancy Centre, explained that this initiative is a pilot project involving four Colleges of Education selected from the 49 nationwide. Prof. Kilu mentioned that two Colleges from the Volta Region, Akatsi College of Education (Akatsico) and Peki College of Education (GOVCO), and two from the Eastern Region, Mount Mary College of Education and Presbyterian Women's College of Education in Aburi, are participating in this pilot project.
Prof. Kilu stressed the importance of fostering a strong research culture and improving academic productivity to enhance the quality of tertiary education. He noted that lecturers need to remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven environment. The workshop aims to provide practical guidance on publishing strategies, ethical use of AI tools, and effective approaches to doctoral supervision.
The facilitators for the workshop include Prof. Kilu, Dr. Adam Salifu, and Dr. Timothy King Avordeh, all experienced researchers and academics from UPSA. Day one of the workshop covers sessions on research culture, academic publishing, developing publishable manuscripts, and managing doctoral studies. Day two will focus on AI tools for teaching, research and academic writing, practical AI applications, dissertation management, and project supervision.
Participants will develop individual action plans to support publication, doctoral progression, and effective research management. The program targets PhD students, prospective doctoral candidates, academic staff, and early-career researchers. Expected outcomes include stronger dissertation development skills, improved supervisor-student engagement, enhanced use of AI in academic writing, better dissertation planning and completion, and practical strategies for managing research projects.
The workshop, jointly organized by the UPSA Research and Consultancy Centre and the Akatsi College of Education, is aimed at strengthening institutional research capacity and promoting continuous professional development among academics.