Delegation from Hokkaido University pays Courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu receives Prof. Masahiro Okumura

A delegation from Hokkaido University, Japan, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu. The delegation was made up of Prof. Masahiro Okumura, Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and also Director, Africa Office; Ms. Yukari Yasuraka, Division of International Affairs, Hokkaido University; Ms. Midori Daimon, Study Abroad Coordinator, Hokkaido University Africa Office; and Mr. Hikaru Kusakabe, Study Abroad Coordinator, Hokkaido University.

Introducing the purpose of the visit, the Dean of School of Engineering Sciences, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman in brief remarks disclosed that two years ago, Hokkaido University had a first Study Japan in West Africa at the University of Ghana which Hokkaido University said was successful. He said their current visit was therefore to consolidate the gains made so far and also brief University Management about their plans for the next edition.

Prof. Masahiro Okumura, who led the delegation, indicated that a new programme had been introduced in Hokkaido University which informed their desire to initiate an exchange programme between Hokkaido University and University of Ghana. Prof. Okumura called for a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the relationship between the two universities, adding that with this, students from the two institutions would embark on exchange programmes. He disclosed that scholarships could be awarded to University of Ghana students.

In brief remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu expressed gratitude for the visit.  He indicated that over the years, accommodation has been a challenge for students on exchange programmes including those on scholarship. He noted that the University of Ghana has students who are interested in studying abroad with ready parental sponsorship. He therefore appealed to Hokkaido University and Japanese Universities in general to consider providing accommodation when drafting the MOUs for exchange programmes.

Present at the meeting were Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, Coordinator, Vice- Chancellor’s Strategic Teams, Dr. Ibrahim Bedi, Acting Director, Internal Audit, Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Acting Dean, International Programmes Office (IPO), and Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office.   

Officials present during the courtesy call