The Principal of Jackson University College, Theodosia Jackson, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusive education and social transformation through its “Education Behind Bars” initiative, which provides access to teacher training for inmates in Ghana’s prisons.
Speaking at the College’s 13th graduation ceremony, she revealed that the programme, which is currently operating at the Manhyia Prisons, targets incarcerated men serving definite prison terms who wish to pursue quality teacher education.
“These inmates must be 25 years or older, qualify as mature students per GTEC guidelines, and pass entrance exams in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Alternatively, they can present WASSCE results with credits,” she explained.
Currently, none of the inmate students has graduated yet. The first cohort, made up of nine inmates, is in its second year of studies.
They are enrolled in the four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme under the “Education Behind Bars” initiative, which offers them the opportunity to pursue higher education while serving their sentences.
The Principal further announced plans to expand the initiative.
“In the next academic year, we shall have a new centre at the Kumasi Central Prisons. Everything is set, so in January they will start their program. This is the institution’s contribution towards the transformation of people behind bars.”
The socially impactful project forms part of Jackson University College’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, aimed at using education as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration.
This year, 877 students graduated from the college, comprising 629 in Upper Primary Education, 178 in Early Grade Education, and 14 in French Education.
Mrs. Jackson praised the resilience of students and staff, especially in navigating challenges related to online and distance learning.
“As a premium distance learning university college, amidst network challenges in Ghana which we all know, by the grace of Almighty God, we were able to write our exams successfully,” she said.
Established in 2009, Jackson University College became Ghana’s first private College of Education to run a three-year Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) through distance learning.
The Principal recalled how the institution’s early adoption of online learning was once criticized until the COVID-19 pandemic validated their model.
“We were criticized for using online platforms, but when COVID-19 hit, all other schools embraced what we had already been doing. We took the lead, and others followed,” she said proudly.
Since its establishment, the college has produced over 19,000 graduates working in diverse sectors including teaching, banking, and public service.
One of the day’s most inspiring moments came from Professor Abigail Gura, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies at Takoradi Technical University, who returned to school to pursue a Diploma in Basic Education despite holding a Ph.D. in Business and Management.
She explained that pursuing a Diploma in Basic Education was not merely about earning another qualification, but about deepening her understanding of teaching and setting an example of lifelong learning.
“Education has no end and growth is continuous. I believe that to make an impact in my area of specialization, I need to be an expert in the field. From our background as professors, GTEC is saying that if you don’t have a certain kind of certificate, you can’t do certain things. I’m sure one day GTEC will come and say, ‘Yes, you call yourself a teacher, but where is your professional certificate?’” she quizzed.
To her, true leadership in academia means being willing to learn at every stage, regardless of one’s rank or achievements.
Jackson University College continues to position itself as a trailblazer in distance learning and inclusive education. Bridging gaps, transforming lives, and expanding access to higher education for all, even those behind prison walls.