Prof. Mark Rumanelli from the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein, Austria, has paid a courtesy call on the Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, University of Ghana, as part of a broader visit aimed at strengthening academic ties under the Erasmus+ programme.

The visit, which underscores the growing international collaboration between the two institutions, marks a renewed commitment to expanding faculty and student mobility, particularly within the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies.

Left: Prof. Mark Rumanelli, University of Applied Sciences Kufstein, Austria

As part of his visit, Prof. Rumanelli met with Prof. Gordon S.K. Adika, Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, who warmly received the delegation and spoke passionately about the importance of global partnerships in advancing the University’s mission.

Prof. Gordon S.K. Adika, Dean of the School of Education

“We are delighted to have you here,” Prof. Adika said. “It is very important that departments forge partnerships with institutions abroad. Such collaborations are not just beneficial; they are essential for academic visibility, recognition, and long-term success.”

He also lauded the communication efforts underpinning the Erasmus+ programme and linked the initiative to the University’s broader internationalisation agenda. “We must credit the Vice-Chancellor for championing international networks as a path to growth,” he added, encouraging continued participation in such impactful academic exchanges.

Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies

Providing context on the collaboration, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies, introduced Prof. Rumanelli and traced the history of the partnership. He explained that the initial exchange began six to seven years ago, with Austrian students visiting the University of Ghana.

“Initially, the exchange was one-sided, but we made efforts to establish a reciprocal programme,” Dr. Bitugu noted. “We submitted our first Erasmus+ application, which supported only faculty exchange. Last year, we applied again, this time including students and we were successful” he added. Dr. Bitugu acknowledged the financial hurdles often faced by Ghanaian students in accessing international study opportunities but expressed pride in the department’s progress. He further announced that one student, Ms. Esther Asare, is set to travel to Austria this September under the current Erasmus+ arrangement.

Prof. Rumanelli presenting souvenirs to officials present at the meeting

Prof. Rumanelli, who represents the Department of Sports, Culture and Event Management at Kufstein, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and enthusiasm for the long-standing collaboration. “I’m very excited about this partnership. I hope to return with strong impressions that will encourage our students to choose Ghana for their exchange semester,” he stated. “Hopefully, this also inspires Ghanaian students to consider coming to the Alps for their exchange semester.”

In his closing remarks, the Dean, Prof. Gordon S.K. Adika, expressed his appreciation to Prof. Rumanelli for the visit and the ongoing collaboration and extended his best wishes for an enjoyable and fulfilling stay in Ghana.

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