The Centre for Languages and Liberal Studies, affectionately known as CELLIBS, traces its origins to 2008, when it was established as the Department of Liberal Studies under the School of Applied Arts (SAA), now Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology (FAAT) at the Takoradi Technical University. At its inception, the department aimed to provide students with a comprehensive education that emphasized the importance of Languages and Liberal Arts including Communication Skills, Media Technology, Entrepreneurship, Research Methods, and African Studies as essential components of a well-rounded academic experience.

The Department of Liberal Studies underwent an upgrade, officially becoming CELLIBS in 2017. This transformation marked a pivotal milestone in the Centre’s history, underscoring its growing influence and impact as a multidisciplinary Centre with a strategic focus on teaching and assessment, conducting critical research and innovation, and offering consultancy services in Languages and Liberal Studies including, but not limited to, Communication Skills, Media Technology, English, French, and Chinese Language proficiency, Research Methods, Entrepreneurship, Economics, and African Studies. These services are extended to Faculties, Departments, Institutes, Centres, and Sections within Takoradi Technical University (TTU).

In addition to enhancing scholarship, CELLIBS offers critical soft-skills services, including but not limited to, critical thinking, creative problem solving, time management, and interpersonal communication as well as academic writing, design thinking and innovation, foreign language translation and editing that complement the hard-skills provided by the University.

The Centre’s Organogram

The governance structure of the Centre comprises a Dean, a Vice Dean, and three Sections: Communication and Media Studies, Social Development, and Law, each of which is led by a Sectional Head. The Deanery of the Centre is supported by two administrative staff, a Centre Administrator and Senior Administrative Assistant. The Centre’s growth has been driven by the Takoradi Technical University’s strategic compass and direction (2020-2025).

Strategic Direction of the Centre

• Vision: To become a centre of excellence in liberal arts and multidisciplinary studies that engender social development.
• Mission: To provide excellent language instruction, liberal education, and multidisciplinary research that cultivate soft skills and values, complementing hard skills for national and international development.

The objectives of the Centre are to:

• Conduct high-quality local and international research to inform policy and practice.
• Provide and disseminate knowledge in a wide range of liberal arts courses and programmes through teaching, research, and provision of community services.
• Provide teaching in African Studies, Communication Skills, French, Chinese, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Law, Research Methods, and other disciplines across the University.
• Develop and roll out innovative and relevant liberal arts programmes and courses to meet ever-changing social demands.
• Facilitate sponsorships and funding support for relevant initiatives and activities including the entrepreneurial and innovative ideas of students through the TTU-iHub.
• Establish mutually-beneficial partnerships between the University and the business/industry community at the local and international level.

The Centre’s Activities, Achievements, and Aspirations

1. Academic Growth and Innovation

Over the years, CELLIBS has expanded its academic offerings and collaborated to develop a wide range of courses including Communication Skills, African Studies, Economics, Entrepreneurship, and Research Methods for the University’s Diploma of Technology, Higher National Diploma, and Bachelor of Technology as well as Master of Technology/Master of Science Degree programmes. In addition to developing the Diploma of Technology (Communication and Media Technology) programme, CELLIBS has introduced short courses and innovative teaching methodologies, embraced emerging technologies, and promoted experiential learning via the TTU-iHuB to enhance students’ entrepreneurial education experiences. CELLIBS is also working to introduce the Higher National Diploma (Communication and Media Technology) and Bachelor of Technology (Communication and Media Technology) as well as Master of Technology (Communication and Media Technology) programmes in the foreseeable future.

2. Research and Scholarship

CELLIBS has consistently encouraged its Faculty members to engage in research and scholarship, contributing to the broader body of knowledge in the liberal arts and languages. Over the years, the Centre has initiated research and scholarship activities including the CELLIBS research seminars and workshops, open forum as well as conference. The Centre’s numerous research outputs, disseminated in high-impact and reputable local and international journals, have had a significant impact in various academic fields. Its Faculty members have gained recognition for their scholarly contributions.

3. Community Engagement and Outreach

CELLIBS has been a dedicated advocate of community engagement and outreach. It has planned and implemented various programmes and initiatives through collaborative effort with CorpNation Foundation, Duapa Werkspace, and MexxMultimedia to serve the local community and society at large. These efforts include, but not limited to:

• Clean up campaigns.
• Commemoration of the African Union Day.
• Donations and charity activities.
• Commemoration of World Environment Day.

4. Achievements and Recognition

CELLIBS has achieved notable success and recognition, including:

• Successful planning and organisation of the Linguistics Association of Ghana (LAG) conference in collaboration with the LAG National Executive Committee.
• Establishment of the annual CELLIBS research seminars, workshops, and open forum.
• Introduction and commencement of six short courses in collaboration with the Institute for Distance and Continuous Education.
• Development and implementation of the Diploma of Technology in Communication and Media Technology Programme.
• Establishment of TTU – iHub.
• Designing logos for the Centre and its affiliated sections.

Future Aspirations

As CELLIBS looks to the future, its commitment to academic excellence, research, community engagement, innovation, and expanding into a multidisciplinary institution of excellence in the liberal arts and social sciences is unwavering. The Centre seeks to remain at the forefront of educational trends, preparing its students to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world, especially with the emergence of AI and machine learning. CELLIBS is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact it can make on education and society. Overall, the antecedents and vision of the Centre resonate with the strategic plan of the University and serve as a testament to its enduring dedication and passion for the Liberal Arts and Languages. It stands as an inspiration for the many achievements that lie ahead.

The relevant details of Senior Members across the three main sections are as follows:

1. Communications and Media Studies Section

2. Social Development Section

3. Law Section