CIP Gives Solution to Internationalising Ghanaian Universities

The Centre for International Programmes (CIP) on Wednesday 7^th February, 2018 held a workshop titled “Internationalisation at UEW” on the theme “Internationalisation of Universities in Ghana” at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, North Campus. 

Giving the purpose of the workshop, Dean of International Programmes, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo began with a quote from Longview Foundation: 2018 which says “We seek to weave global competence into the fabric of school and teacher experiences to engage and inspire the people living in them to want to connect more meaningfully to the world”. Using that quotation as his prelude, he welcomed everyone to the maiden workshop on   Internationalisation of Universities in Ghana with focus on the UEW.  

He noted that CIP was expected to handle the University’s international relations and programmes. Therefore in order to carry out that mandate diligently, it had been in the forefront of the University’s internationalisation programme. He added that CIP leads and coordinates the University’s activities in international image building and helps in promoting goodwill between UEW and its international stakeholders.

“A number of linkages have been established with foreign universities and other institutions for mutual benefit. CIP is collaborating with other Departments to run programmes for international students while facilitating collaborative research and exchange of staff and students. In addition, CIP has teamed up with various Departments to promote and support international academic conferences and workshops.” The Dean of International Programmes revealed.   

The workshop saw presentations from pioneers of various academies such as the Dean of International Programmes, University of Ghana (UG), Prof. Ama de-Graft Aikins, Associate Prof. of Education and Coordinator of the K-12 Special Education, Tiece M. Ruffin, former Dean for International Relation and Past Dean of the Faculty of Social Science Education, UEW, Prof. Yaw Ofusu-Kusi and a Researcher at the Centre for Educational Policy Studies (CEPS), UEW, Dr. Edison Pajibo.

Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo, Dean of International Programmes, UEW

Starting the presentation was Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo on the topic “Internationalisation: UEW’s Experience”. His presentation sought to place International Programmes within the context of the history, mission and vision as well as the strategic plan of the University. It also discussed the development of internationalisation with attention to its organisation, threats, challenges, hopes and aspirations. It eventually focused on their current internationalisation activities, plans and winded up on the need for that workshop and its expected place in making UEW an internationally reputable institution for teacher education and research.

Associate Prof. Tiece M. Ruffin

Associate Prof. Tiece Ruffin spoke on the topic “Faculty Internationalisation”. Her presentation posed questions such as whether students of UEW were prepared to traverse and thrive in today’s interconnected world, do students possess the requisite skills to be globally competitive in the 21^st century. She gave solutions to her questions by indicating that 21^st century students should be globally ready and competent in order to be competitive. She added that they must have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to engage in the world effectively and responsibly.

Dr. Edison Pajibo

Dr. Edison Pajibo gave the third presentation on “University Internationalisation”.  He said that knowing the trends of globalisation, it was now obvious that preparing university students for the job market with relevant knowledge and skills that could be transferred across sectors and borders had become imperative and the best medium by which those skills could be nurtured was through international study experiences.

Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi

Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi took members through “Student Internationalisation” while Prof Ama de-Graft Aikins ended the session with a presentation on the theme for the workshop “Internationalisation of Universities in Ghana”.

Professor Ama de-Graft Aikins, Dean of International Programmes, UG

Prof. de-Graft Aikins defined internationalisation as “the policies undertaken by academic systems and institutions and even individuals to cope with the global academic environment”. She said that all universities with ambitions towards world-class research status had internationalisation policies and units, that drive, review and update context-specific policies.

“Various university ranking systems, such as the Times Higher Education (THE), include international outlook (of staff, students and research) as a key pillar of education excellence”. She said.

Her presentation discussed the gaps and tensions between the theory and practice of internationalisation through three case studies: developing and managing multi-site research partnerships, supporting multi-cultural students communities and designing equitable mobility schemes. 

She concluded with reflections on global best practice models for bridging the gap between internationalisation theory and practice in Ghanaian Universities.  

The workshop was chaired by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, UEW, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni. Also present at the event were the Registrar, UEW, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq, University Librarian Mr. Viscount Buer, Senior Assistant Registrar, CIP, Mr. Andy Agordah, Deans, Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Administrators of the University.