Prof. Codjoe (fifth from right) with officials from both universities.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education welcomed a delegation from the University of Ottawa as part of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening international academic partnerships and advancing institutional collaboration between University of Ottawa and the University of Ghana.
The strategic engagement, facilitated by the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), focused on exploring opportunities for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, innovative programme development, and strengthening distance and adult education delivery.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
In his remarks, Prof. Codjoe expressed appreciation for the collaboration being facilitated through the research wing of the College of Education, LECERP. He highlighted University of Ghana’s commitment to research-intensive work, noting that this aligns with Strategic Priority Two of the University’s Strategic Plan.
Further, he outlined the University’s extensive network of nationwide learning centres and city campuses that support distance education, adult education, and teacher training. He noted the institution’s growing impact in educational studies both nationally and globally, emphasizing its strategic presence across major regions in Ghana, including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, as well as other regional learning centres.
Prof. Codjoe also highlighted the transformation of teacher training institutions into Colleges of Education, with six currently affiliated with the University of Ghana, providing mentorship and capacity building to support this transition.
Dr. Clement Adamba, Director of LECERP
Speaking at the engagement, Dr. Clement Adamba, Director of LECERP, emphasized that the visit aimed to deepen collaboration between the University of Ghana and the University of Ottawa. He noted that plans are far advanced to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote joint research initiatives, and leverage technology to support hybrid, distance, and adult education programmes.
Professor El Hadji Yaya Kone, speaking during the engagement
The delegation from the University of Ottawa, led by Professor El Hadji Yaya Kone, Vice Dean for Graduate and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Education expressed appreciation to Professor Codjoe and his team for the warm reception. He shared insights into innovative academic programmes, particularly in online, and blended learning delivery, which could be co-developed between the University of Ghana and the University of Ottawa. Priority areas identified for potential collaboration include Educational Leadership, Digital Education and Educational Technology, Indigenous Education research, Social Justice and Innovation, and Languages and Multilingual Studies.
Dr. Ibrahima Fatin Yaro, briefing officials during the meeting.
Dr. Ibrahima Fatin Yaro, member of the delegation and Manager of Global Partnerships for Africa, highlighted opportunities in the area of faculty and student mobility, co-creation of knowledge, and development of expertise between both institutions. He expressed the University of Ottawa’s strong interest in attracting talented Ghanaian students and highlighted funding opportunities to support student exchange programmes.
On his part, the Registrar of the College of Education, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, noted that the partnership strongly aligns with the University’s Strategic Priorities, particularly Transformative Student Experience and Commitment to Students and Staff, which focus on equipping and supporting students to lead with impact. He added that the partnership also supports the fourth Strategic Priority, Engagement and Partnerships, which encourages collaboration with local and international organisations for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students.
Prof. Abena Yeboah-Banin, making a point during the meeting.
Professor Abena Yeboah-Banin, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, acknowledged the critical role of such partnerships in strengthening grant writing capacity and enhancing collaboration with international researchers. She noted that these partnerships would create significant opportunities for students and faculty within her School and beyond.
During the meeting, officials from both universities discussed a broader range of opportunities aimed at harnessing the talents and potential of both institutions. The discussions also covered exchange programme challenges, collaborative grant opportunities, and joint programme development. The meeting highlighted opportunities in bilingual and international education, with the University of Ottawa noting its status as the largest bilingual university, with approximately 90 percent of its courses delivered in both French and English. This presents strong opportunities for multilingual and Francophone academic collaboration.
Officials exchanging gifts at the meeting.
The meeting concluded with the presentation of commemorative items by the delegation from the University of Ottawa to officials of the College of Education.
Present at the meeting were Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu; Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum, Research Fellow at LECERP; Ms. Agnes Baidoo, College Public Affairs Officer; Mr. Moses Bawa, College Academic Affairs Officer; Ms. Trinity Treve, Management Accountant; Ms. Audrey Djarbeng, Administrative Secretary, LECERP; and Mr. Collins Boakye, National Service Personnel at LECERP.