UCC explores collaborative opportunities with Indonesia for academic advancement
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) in the Central Region of Ghana, ranked as the country’s top tertiary institution for the 2022/2023 academic year, has embarked on an initiative to explore educational opportunities and collaborative programs with the Republic of Indonesia.
This endeavor aims to benefit UCC students, lecturers, and faculties by fostering knowledge exchange and expanding academic horizons, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Professor Mrs. Rosemond Boohene, the Pro Vice Chancellor of UCC, recently held detailed and productive discussions with H.E. Paskal A. B. Rois, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Ghana, during a courtesy visit to his office in Accra.
The two leaders engaged in a fruitful two-hour meeting, sharing educational prospects and exploring avenues for mutual benefit, with a focus on enhancing the academic offerings in both countries and providing quality education to Ghanaian students.
Professor Boohene highlighted UCC’s interest in collaborative areas such as short-term training, faculty and student exchange programs, as well as scholarship opportunities for faculty and students across various study fields in Indonesian universities.
She emphasized the university’s commitment to increasing its staff strength and enhancing their capabilities through the pursuit of Master’s and PhD programs, aiming to strengthen career areas such as Pharmacy, Engineering, and the Arts.
Notably, Professor Boohene proudly highlighted UCC’s standing as a top-notch university in Ghana, the West African sub-region, and the continent of Africa. In the 2022/2023 academic year, UCC ranked as the number one university in Ghana, the fourth in Africa, and achieved global recognition for its academic excellence.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, Mr. Rois, the Honorary Consul, commended Professor Boohene and the university’s management for their remarkable achievements and their continuous efforts to sustain the progress UCC has made over the years.
He expressed hope that the proposed educational collaboration between UCC and counterparts in Indonesia would open a new chapter in the relationship between Ghana and Indonesia, given the historical significance of Cape Coast in both countries’ political history and struggle for independence.
During the meeting, Mr. Rois discussed the various educational opportunities available in Indonesian universities, emphasizing that these institutions offer a wide range of programs, including Humanities, Technology, Sciences, Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Pharmacy, Tourism, and Engineering, among others. These programs cater to undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students from around the world.
Furthermore, Mr. Rois informed Professor Boohene about the KNB Scholarship Scheme by the Republic of Indonesia, which provides opportunities for faculty and students at UCC to enhance their academic achievements.
Since its establishment in 1992, the scholarship scheme has already benefited over thirty students, with more applicants expected to leave Ghana in January 2024 to pursue fully-funded courses in Indonesian universities. The scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, including an age requirement and an Average Grade Point of 3.25 or above.
Mr. Rois expressed optimism that this initial meeting would pave the way for UCC students to join the scholarship program when the next application window opens in January of the following year.
Additionally, he highlighted the availability of partial scholarships, where the government of Indonesia covers tuition costs while students are responsible for living expenses. Currently, over fifteen Ghanaian students are pursuing various educational programs under this partial scholarship package.
Discussing the industrial capabilities of Indonesia, Mr. Rois highlighted the country’s population of over 270 million and its membership in the G-20 group. He emphasized that Indonesia produces a wide range of products consumed globally, including food, equipment, fertilizers, clothing
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
