UEW and UP Seal 3rd MoU for Global Academic Excellence

This MoU expands the partnership, encompassing all departments within UEW, a marked difference from the previous agreements, which were limited to select faculties. The comprehensive nature of this third MoU promises to facilitate an inclusive and widespread impact across the academic and administrative landscapes of both universities.

The primary areas of collaboration agreed upon include joint research projects, teaching initiatives, and a vibrant exchange of students, teaching, and administrative staff. This initiative seeks to foster a rich bilateral transfer of knowledge and expertise, enhancing educational experiences and research capabilities at both institutions.

Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, emphasised the potential benefits of a partnership with Potsdam University. He also stressed UEW's strengths in teacher education in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa.

Prof. Oliver Günther, President of UP, underscored the significance of collaboration between Potsdam and UEW. "Student exchange and blended learning will greatly benefit both universities. Our students and faculty can learn from each other's diverse perspectives," Prof. Günther stated. He highlighted Potsdam's strengths in teacher education, citing its tradition since East German times.

Prof. Andreas Borowski, Director of the Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research at UP, showcased the university's expertise in teacher education, particularly special needs education. "Teacher education is a significant focus area for us, with a large department dedicated to special needs education," Prof. Borowski remarked. He highlighted the benefits of online tools for joint courses and cultural exchange. "COIL enables students to interact online, sharing diverse perspectives," he said.

Prof. Hans-Georg Wolf, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at UP, recounted the partnership's genesis. "Four years ago, I visited Ghana with students, and contacts at the University of Ghana recommended UEW. We established a connection through Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo, and Prof. Dandy Dampson welcomed us warmly."

Prof. Frimpong Kaakyire Duku, Principal of the College of Distance and e-Learning at UEW, emphasised the potential of online collaboration with UP. "Distance learning enables global access to education. Students from Potsdam can study UEW programmes without relocating to Ghana," Prof. Duku noted. He envisioned a partnership where UEW and UP combine resources to develop joint online programmes, provide scholarships for Ghanaian students and train Ghanaians to fill Europe's skill gaps.

Prof. Dandy George Dampson highlighted the partnership's successes. "This is our third MoU, and the biggest. We have had notable achievements, including PhD students attending conferences in France and developing the Winneba Inclusive Teaching Mode (WI Mode)," Prof. Dampson affirmed. He highlighted the partnership's growth. "We have come a long way, and this MoU will strengthen our collaboration for mutual benefit," he asserted.

The collaboration is designed to stimulate innovative research solutions addressing global challenges, thereby raising the academic profiles of both institutions on the international stage. The joint efforts in teaching and research will also aim to enhance the professional competence of students and staff, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.

As these two venerable institutions embark on this expanded collaborative journey, the educational landscape at UEW and UP is poised for transformative growth and enhanced global impact, illustrating the potent synergy that can arise from international academic partnerships.