University-community engagements in africa: nature, scope and outcomes at the university of Ghana learning centres

Abigail A. Aryeh-Adjei and Ama Otwiwah Adu-Marfo

International Journal of Educational Development, 2025, vol. 117, issue C

Abstract: University-community engagements (UCEs) play a critical role in fostering sustainable development, promoting lifelong learning, and addressing local and national challenges. This qualitative study examines the nature, scope, and outcomes of UCE at the University of Ghana Learning Centres (UGLC), focusing on how these initiatives contribute to both institutional goals and community needs. Using an exploratory case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including the head and coordinators of the UGLC as well as community members/students. Grounded in the theory of community of practice and through a thematic analysis, the study highlighted UCE's diverse nature and scope including distance education (DE) and academic counselling, partnerships and research collaborations, economic development and civic engagement, public events and workshop, and school outreach programmes. In addition, the outcomes of the UCEs include enhanced reputation and public image, student recruitment and retention, employment opportunities, educational enhancement, and well-being. The study recommended seeking more partnerships with organizations, industries, and NGOs to maximize UCE benefits.

Keywords: community needs; employment opportunities; educational enhancement; sustainable development; UCEs; UGLCs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:injoed:v:117:y:2025:i:c:s073805932500152x

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2025.103354

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