University of Ghana, Bordeaux University sign pact

By Edmund Mingle

With the aim of improving partnership in the education sector, the University of Ghana and the University of Bordeaux in France have reached a partnership deal in which the two would collaborate in exchanging their academic programmes.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed to that effect, would also facilitate the exchange of staff between the two institutions to promote quality research and learning.
In addition, the agreement which has created the platform for a consolidation of the relationship between the two institutions, would also promote joint research and exchange programmes among students.
The signing ceremony was part of activities for the authorities of the Bordeaux University who were part of a French investment delegation to Ghana to explore opportunities for business and cooperation in the areas of investment, trade, local governance and education.
The visit of the delegation was in response to an invitation by President Mahama during a visit to France last year.
The two universities initiated their cooperation during the President's visit to the Bordeaux University as part of his visit to France, and the return visit helped to conclude the deal in Accra on Friday.
France has reviewed its international policy to intensify its cooperation with Anglophone Africa, but the language barrier remained a major hindrance, and the renewed collaboration among educational institutions is aimed at overcoming that challenge.
 “This cooperation agreement in political studies is a step towards developing joint research and programmes among students,” Mr François Pujolas, the French Ambassador to Ghana, said.
He said making the academic world move with reality was crucial in enhancing development and addressing myriad of social and economic challenges confronting nations including Ghana, expressing hope that the deal would bridge the gap between industries and academics.
He told journalists after the signing ceremony that the pact was also expected to ease the learning of French among Ghanaian students and boost their competencies to take advantage of global job opportunities.
Professor Kwame Offei, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, who signed for his institution, expressed delight that formal relations between the two institutions have finally been concretised after several meetings.
Professor Naa Ayikailey Ademafio of the International Relations office, University of Ghana (UG), made a presentation about academic programmes, colleges and satellite campuses of the university.
She said UG has a student population of about 40,000 with 800 being international students coming from 50 countries and academic staff pegged at 1,200, a number she noted was insufficient.
However, Professor Maria Binet, Vice President of Bordeaux University, said the statistics were in sharp contrast with Bordeaux's.
“The university teaches 23 languages, and this is quite a lot as compared to other universities in the world,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh expressed delight on the role the centre played in facilitating the formalisation of the pact, saying her outfit would continue to support to sustain the relationship between the institutions.