A delegation from the University of Ottawa paid a courtesy call on the Provost of the College of Education at the University of Ghana on Monday, 9th February, 2026, as part of a strategic effort to strengthen international academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The visit, facilitated by the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), formed part of a strategic engagement designed to advance joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, innovative programme development and the enhancement of distance and adult education delivery. The engagement underscores both institutions’ commitment to deepening global partnerships and promoting research-led, technology-enabled learning.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, expressed appreciation for the growing collaboration being driven through LECERP, the research wing of the College. He reaffirmed the University of Ghana’s commitment to research-intensive scholarship, noting that the partnership aligns closely with Strategic Priority Two of the University’s Strategic Plan (2024–2029).
Professor Codjoe highlighted the University’s extensive network of nationwide learning centres and city campuses, which support distance education, adult education and teacher training. He underscored the University’s growing influence in educational studies both nationally and internationally, citing its strategic presence in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other regional learning centres.
He further pointed to the ongoing transformation of teacher training institutions into Colleges of Education, six of which are currently affiliated with the University of Ghana. Through mentorship and capacity-building initiatives, he said, the University continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening teacher education delivery across the country.
Dr. Clement Adamba, Director of LECERP
Dr. Clement Adamba, Director of LECERP, explained that the visit was intended to consolidate collaboration between the two universities. He indicated that plans are well advanced to deepen partnerships, promote collaborative research initiatives and leverage technology to strengthen hybrid, distance and adult education programmes.
Professor El Hadji Yaya Kone, Vice-Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa
Leading the delegation from the University of Ottawa, Professor El Hadji Yaya Kone, Vice-Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in the Faculty of Education, expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to his team. He shared insights into innovative academic models, particularly in online and blended learning delivery, which could be co-developed by both institutions.
Professor Kone identified several priority areas for potential collaboration, including Educational Leadership, Digital Education and Educational Technology, Indigenous Education research, Social Justice and Innovation, as well as Languages and Multilingual Studies.
Dr. Ibrahima Fatin Yaro, Manager of Global Partnerships for Africa at the University of Ottawa
Dr. Ibrahima Fatin Yaro, Manager of Global Partnerships for Africa at the University of Ottawa, highlighted opportunities for faculty and student mobility, co-creation of knowledge and the development of specialised expertise. He emphasised his institution’s keen interest in attracting talented Ghanaian students and outlined funding opportunities to support exchange programmes.
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, College of Education
On his part, the College Registrar of the College of Education, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, observed that the proposed partnership aligns strongly with the University’s Strategic Priorities, particularly Transformative Student Experience and Commitment to Students and Staff. He added that it also advances the fourth Strategic Priority, Engagement and Partnerships, by fostering meaningful collaboration with international institutions for the benefit of faculty, staff and students.
Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies
Also contributing to discussions, Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, highlighted the importance of such partnerships in strengthening grant-writing capacity and enhancing collaboration with international researchers. She noted that the engagement would open up significant opportunities for both students and faculty within her School and across the University.
Discussions during the meeting also addressed exchange programme challenges, collaborative grant opportunities and joint programme development. Particular emphasis was placed on bilingual and international education. The University of Ottawa noted its status as the largest bilingual university in the world, delivering approximately 90 per cent of its courses in both French and English — a feature that presents strong prospects for multilingual and Francophone academic collaboration.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, symbolising a shared commitment to advancing strategic collaboration and strengthening ties between the two institutions.
Also present at the meeting were Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, who represented the Dean of the School of Education and Leadership; Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum, Research Fellow at LECERP; Ms. Agnes Baidoo, College Public Affairs Officer; Mr. Moses Bawa, College Academic Affairs Officer; Ms. Trinity Treve, Management Accountant; and Ms. Audrey Djarbeng, Administrator at LECERP.