IEPA launches 50th anniversary

The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) at the University of Cape Coast has launched its 50th anniversary celebration with a reaffirmation to promote educational excellence across the West African sub region.

The anniversary is to mark five decades of impactful contributions to educational planning and administration in Ghana and the West African sub-region.

The launch of the anniversary, held at the UCC, highlighted the institute’s dedication to educational leadership, research, and policy development since its establishment in 1975.

Promoting educational planning

The IEPA was established with the support of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote educational planning and leadership.

The event also commemorated the fifth anniversary of IEPA’s designation as a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence, reinforcing its growing influence in shaping education policies across the sub region.

The year-long celebration will be held on the theme, "IEPA@50: Innovating for Educational Impact and Excellence."

Speaking at the launch last Thursday, the Director-General of IEPA, Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom, reaffirmed the institute’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement across the sub region understanding that quality education made meaningful communities.

"Over the years, IEPA has been instrumental in training thousands of educational leaders and providing expert guidance to governments and institutions", he said.

He noted that their work had significantly influenced education policies and practices.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to fostering excellence through research, consultancy and capacity-building," he added.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, who unveiled the anniversary logo and theme, lauded IEPA for its trailblazing role in education.

"IEPA’s achievements reflect not only the hard work and vision of its leadership but also the institute’s ongoing commitment to educational transformation in Ghana, Africa and beyond," he noted.

He further emphasised that IEPA’s work aligned with Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG 4) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which aimed to provide quality education for all and drive a skills revolution underpinned by science, technology and innovation.

Prof. Aheto observed that throughout the years, IEPA had been at the forefront of developing educational leaders who were equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

He expressed the hope that the 50th anniversary celebrations would serve as a moment for reflection and renewed dedication to educational excellence.

50th anniversary activities

To mark the milestone, IEPA has lined up a series of activities aimed at showcasing its achievements and strengthening its impact.

As part of the celebrations, there would be an international conference to bring together scholars, policymakers, and education practitioners to discuss innovations in education.

A commemorative book documenting IEPA’s achievements over the past five decades, will be launched and a special journal edition of the Journal of Educational Management focusing on research in educational leadership and innovation will also be published.

In addition, the institute will organise outreach programmes across the West African sub-region to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Other key activities include a workshop for school heads, a webinar for local partners and alumni roadshows in Tamale, Kumasi and Takoradi. 
The celebrations will also feature a public lecture, fun games, a workshop for college administrators, and a students' expo.