UEW and JSU Revitalise Partnership, Explore New Frontiers in Education and Research
The Management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and a five-member delegation from Jiangsu University (JSU) have engaged in discussions to bolster and expand their longstanding collaboration.
The meeting, which took place at the office of the UEW Vice-Chancellor on Thursday, 5th December, 2024, highlighted the two institutions' commitment to advancing areas of mutual interest, particularly in language education, science, and technology, while promoting cultural exchange and mutual growth.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of UEW, acknowledged the several-year-old historical relationship between UEW and JSU. He indicated that Jiangsu University had significantly contributed to the professional development of UEW’s lecturers, particularly in ICT, mechanical engineering, and other technical fields.
"Many of our lecturers trained at Jiangsu University returned with enhanced skills and high research outputs, which positively impacted their academic and professional performance," Prof. Mitchual stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the recent efforts to revive the collaboration, which had waned with time. “Currently, five UEW staff members are pursuing advanced studies at Jiangsu University on scholarships.”
Prof. Mitchual outlined several proposals for expanding the collaboration. He stressed the importance of language training and proposed a partnership to facilitate staff training and student mobility. He underscored the growing economic ties between Ghana and China, stating that a deeper understanding of the Chinese language and culture would benefit Ghanaians, particularly traders and entrepreneurs.
The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the importance of collaboration in scientific research and infrastructure development. He appealed for support in establishing well-equipped laboratories to enhance teacher training and research capabilities.
Prof. Ren Xudong, the Vice President of JSU, pointed out that their institution currently hosts 178 Ghanaian students, including doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate candidates. He expressed a willingness to expand programmes and foster deeper ties.
Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah, Ag Registrar of UEW, stressed the importance of leveraging advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve teaching, learning, and administrative processes. She highlighted the need to integrate modern IT infrastructure to enhance service delivery.
The revamp of the partnership comes at a time when the demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is growing rapidly. UEW and JSU aim to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address regional and global challenges, engaging in collaborative research projects and sharing best practices in pedagogy.
UEW and JSU reaffirmed their commitment to mutual growth and partnership. Plans are underway to formalise the agreement and launch ongoing initiatives, intending to foster a lasting relationship that benefits their respective academic communities and contributes to broader societal advancements.
The revitalised partnership between UEW and JSU holds promise for enhancing educational outcomes, fostering innovation, and building a brighter future for students in Ghana and China. As these two institutions embark on this new chapter, the academic world eagerly anticipates the outcomes of their collaborative ventures.