GCTU Explores Collaborative Opportunities With Indonesia
GCTU has taken yet another step towards consolidating its position as a leader in Transnational Education by holding an exploratory meeting with the Indonesian Consulate in Ghana.
The meeting, which took place on Wednesday 5th June 2024 at the Indonesian Consulate in Ghana, marked GCTU’s first attempt to foster educational collaboration with that country.
Led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, the GCTU delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with His Excellency Paskal Augustine Broson Rois, the Honorary Consul/Ambassador of Indonesia in Ghana. Discussions focused mainly on exploring avenues for cooperation in educational scholarships and exchange programmes.
Mutual Aspirations for Technological Advancement
Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa emphasized GCTU’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s educational landscape, particularly in Information Communication Technology (ICT). Highlighting GCTU’s specialized programmes in ICT and allied fields, Prof. Afoakwa underscored the institution’s mission to groom a new generation of technologically adept professionals.
He articulated the University’s eagerness to collaborate with international partners, including Indonesia, to enrich educational experiences of his students and contribute to national development.
In response, His Excellency Rois commended Ghana’s strides in prioritizing ICT education through institutions like GCTU. Drawing parallels between Ghana’s digitalization efforts and global trends, H. E. Rois stressed the significance of embracing technological development. He lauded GCTU’s interdisciplinary approach and underscored the pivotal role of ICT in fostering national development.
Prospects for Collaboration and Concrete Partnership Plans
The conversation delved into Indonesia’s educational landscape, showcasing the nation’s commitment to academic excellence and practical learning methodologies. Ambassador Rois explained Indonesia’s innovative educational infrastructure, including digital libraries and research facilities.
He stressed Indonesia’s readiness to collaborate with GCTU, offering avenues for faculty exchange, student scholarships, and joint research initiatives. In his reaction, Prof. Afoakwa expressed keen interest in leveraging Indonesia’s expertise to empower GCTU’s faculty, staff and students. Ambassador Rois outlined scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian scholars including fully and partially funded programmes.
Way Forward
GCTU and the Indonesian Consulate outlined a roadmap for collaboration. Plans include signing an MoU to formalize the partnership, establishing joint implementation teams, and using digital platforms for easy communication and sharing.
Both parties pledged to raise awareness about the available opportunities. Prof. Afoakwa proposed strategic outreach programmes to identify eligible candidates for scholarships and exchange programmes. Ambassador Rois affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to facilitating student mobility and academic exchange under the partnership agreement to be established soon.
