The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has hosted a delegation from the University of Sierra Leone (USL) led by its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Foday Sahr, to an interactive breakfast reception at the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge. The visit to the University explores areas of collaboration as the University of Sierra Leone seeks to build the capacity of faculty for increased development.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo extended a warm welcome to the delegation and said “It is interesting to note that there are engagements and collaborations, such as the training, but now we want to elevate that to the institutional level… As you mentioned, we have a broad framework within which we can do quite a number of things such as support from training so that you can also build your faculty to the desired level”. Prof. Amfo stressed the need for such partnerships between African institutions so as to develop tailor-made solutions to indigenous problems.
In response, Prof. Sahr expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and Management of the University for the hospitality and noted that the deliberations would help USL to garner ideas and support from the University of Ghana for post-graduate training. He indicated that discussions on joint supervision of students and the capacity building of faculty members were also of major concern to the management of the University of Sierra Leone.
Prof. Sahr stated it is crucial for staff and faculty to have terminal degrees and revealed that a survey done by the Tertiary Education Commission of Sierra Leone disclosed that about 20 per cent of staff in the University had terminal degrees. He further stated that the USL was introducing programmes such as psychology and medicine. Prof. Sahr said it was important to cement relationship between both parties and facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual relations.
Prof. (Dr.) Mohamed Samai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, USL, reiterated appreciation for the warm welcome and stated that collaborations were important and were needed to ensure that deliberations were well-sustained. He was hopeful for a successful MoU and stated that both institutions would establish strong ties extending to faculty and departments.
Officials present from University of Ghana were Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar; Dr. Jemima Asabea Anderson, Director, University of Ghana Pan-African Doctoral Academy (UG-PADA), Dr. Collins Agyemang Badu, Coordinator, UG-PADA, Mrs. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate; and Mrs. Arhizah Blay-Abiti, Senior Assistant Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
The University of Sierra Leone delegation included Mrs. Olive Barrie, Registrar and Prof. Joe A. D. Alie, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies.
