The University for Development Studies (UDS) has participated in the 12th Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) Teaching and Learning Conference and the 14th Roundtable held at the Hotel Serra Da Chela in Lubango, Angola, from May 5 to 10, 2025. The high-level international event was hosted by the Ministry of Education of Angola and brought together key stakeholders from across the African continent and beyond.

The conference, themed “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a Rejuvenated Teacher Education and Professionalism in Africa,” served as a platform for critical dialogue on strengthening teacher professionalism and improving standards in the education sector. It aimed to amplify the voices of educators and build consensus on transformative teacher education policies for sustainable development in Africa.

Representing UDS at the conference were three distinguished academics: Dr. Abukari Salifu, Dr. David Abdulai Salifu, and Professor Issah Mohammed. Their participation underscored the University’s commitment to contributing to and learning from international best practices in teacher education and regulation.

The AFTRA Conference welcomed a diverse range of participants, including representatives from Ministries of Education, National Teaching Councils, Teacher Unions, Teacher Education Institutions, academics, researchers, publishers, education technology innovators, industry leaders, digital technology giants, postgraduate students, and international organizations associated with the regulation of the teaching profession. The gathering provided a rich forum for the exchange of ideas, innovations, and collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of education across the continent.

In addition to the conference sessions, the 14th AFTRA Roundtable, held as the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation, was restricted to delegates from member Ministries and organizations. It provided a formal platform for reviewing the Federation’s progress, refining governance structures, and setting strategic directions for future engagements.

The University for Development Studies stands to benefit immensely from this international engagement. By participating in such a prestigious event, UDS strengthened its network with global and continental educational stakeholders, positioned itself as a contributor to the discourse on teacher education reforms, and gained insights into innovative practices that can be contextualized and applied locally. Furthermore, the University’s involvement reinforces its vision of advancing academic excellence, professional development, and leadership in education across Ghana and Africa.

This international exposure is expected to enrich the experiences of faculty and students alike and further consolidate UDS’ reputation as a forward-looking institution dedicated to transformative education and development.

Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media