The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), previously known as Ghana Telecom University, celebrated the remarkable contributions of its staff during its annual staff durbar held at the GCTU Great Hall. Among the honorees, Dr. Stephen Owusu Afriyie was distinguished as the “Best Lecturer for Teaching” for the 2022/2023 academic year. This recognition highlights Dr. Afriyie’s relentless commitment to pedagogical excellence and his significant role in enhancing the academic reputation of the institution. The annual event, which aims to acknowledge the efforts of staff members who have significantly impacted the university, served as an appropriate platform for announcing such esteemed accolades and fostering a culture of appreciation within the academic community.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie is a dedicated lecturer within the Department of Accounting, Banking, and Finance, which is part of GCTU’s Business School. His recognition as the Best Lecturer resonates with his personal pursuit of excellence and his engagement with his colleagues to cultivate a shared vision for educational innovation and growth. The acknowledgment of Dr. Afriyie not only honors his individual achievements but also serves as a testament to GCTU’s broader commitment to fostering high academic standards. His award signifies not only his hard work but also the collective ambition of the institution to excel in the educational sector, ultimately benefiting the student body and the community at large.
The citation that accompanied Dr. Afriyie’s award praised his exceptional teaching skills, profound commitment to student success, and dedication to upholding the university’s mission of academic excellence. It emphasized the value he brings to GCTU and the enduring impact of his pedagogical approaches. The recognition is a notable endorsement from the university’s Council, Management, and Staff, who expressed gratitude for his hard work while encouraging him to maintain his high standards. The citation reflects the ethos of GCTU, which seeks to nurture talent and foster an environment that values dedicated teaching and the holistic development of its students.
Dr. Afriyie’s award was presented by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, during the prestigious ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Afriyie outlined the guiding principles that inform his professional conduct and teaching philosophy. He encapsulated his approach with the acronym PHD, representing Professionalism, Hard work, and Dedication. These core values serve as the foundation of his teaching methodology, enabling him to effectively engage with students and enhance their educational experience. By integrating ethical ideologies into his pedagogical practices, he has instilled a culture of industriousness that resonates with his students, encouraging their active participation in the learning process.
In acknowledging the award, Dr. Afriyie expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of his contributions to the university’s teaching and learning environment. He described the honor as humbling, noting that it reflects the university’s appreciation for his continuous efforts to foster student academic development. Through innovative teaching methods and a focus on engagement, he has sought to create a dynamic learning atmosphere that empowers students to thrive academically. His passion for education underscores a commitment not only to his students’ success but also to the ongoing advancement of GCTU, as he aims to inspire others within the academic community to pursue excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Afriyie pledged to further refine his teaching strategies and maintain his commitment to student success. His recognition as the Best Lecturer serves as a motivational landmark, inspiring him to make more significant contributions to both the academic community and the student body. By continuing to innovate his instructional techniques and fostering an environment of engagement, Dr. Afriyie aims to elevate the standards of education within GCTU and assist in realizing the university’s core values of teaching excellence and human capital development. Ultimately, his dedication and achievements spotlight the importance of educators in shaping the future of their students and the broader educational landscape.
