The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has launched an extensive capacity-building programme for faculty members to enhance student-centred teaching, research supervision, and assessment.
The initiative focuses on Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning (PjBL), and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, reflecting UPSA’s 2026 theme: “Pursuing the Vision through Ethical Innovation.”
Speaking at the opening, Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor emphasized that universities must go beyond traditional lecture-centred approaches to pedagogies that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving skills.
He noted that project-based learning exposes students to real-world challenges, bridging the gap between theory and professional practice a central aspect of UPSA’s mandate as a professional university.
Prof. Mawutor further stressed the importance of ethical values in contemporary business, research, and social life.
“Innovation without ethics can lead to unintended consequences,” he said. “As a professional university, UPSA is committed to equipping both students and academics with the skills to innovate responsibly, make sound decisions, and contribute positively to society.”
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the transformative role of AI in knowledge creation and delivery. He stated that when applied responsibly, AI enhances teaching effectiveness, research productivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining academic integrity and human judgment.
On strengthening AI competencies among faculty, he explained, is critical to producing graduates who are not only industry-relevant but also ethically grounded.
The training programme exposed participants to practical strategies for designing industry-relevant student projects, supervising collaborative learning, and integrating AI tools into assessment and research processes.
Faculty members described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it has strengthened their capacity to redesign courses, assessments, and research supervision in ways that reflect both professional realities and strong ethical principles.
This programme underscores UPSA’s ongoing commitment to innovative pedagogy, high-quality research output, and the development of graduates who are globally competitive, future-ready, and guided by ethical standards in all aspects of their professional and social lives.
