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University of Ghana signs MOU for
improved faculty standards
Accra, May 11, Ghanadot/GNA - The University of Ghana (UG)
on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the University of South Florida (USF) in the US to enable it
to improve the performances of both students and faculty
lecturers.
Professor Clifford Bii Boye Tagoe, Vice-Chancellor of UG,
said the collaboration would ensure the facilitation of
research among the various faculties in mutually interested
areas of study between the two universities.
He said the primary purpose of the agreement was to provide
a general basis within which specific cooperative activities
of an academic and cultural nature may be implemented
involving faculty and students of both Universities.
The University of Ghana expressed the hope that it would
benefit from the collaboration in carious areas including
faculty exchanges, especially between students, and further
accelerate training for faculty lecturers to the PhD level.
Prof. Tagoe said as the projects in education or research
were developed, each would require a written MOU, which
would set forth the terms and conditions of the projects
adding that the agreement would take effect when executed by
both parties and shall be terminated at the end of three
years.
“This agreement shall be automatically renewed for
additional five-year period unless either party provides the
other with written notice that it wishes to terminate,” he
said.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed concern about the problem of
aging faculties, saying the university had been affected
over the years by the brain drain of lecturers, leaving the
various faculties depleted.
“We have to retain retired lecturers because the young ones
have failed to stay due to poor salaries and remunerations,”
Prof. Tagoe said.
He said the University required 1,000 lecturers to be able
to function to its fullest, but currently had one faculty
lecturer to 39 students, instead of the required one to 19
students.
Prof. Tagoe said though the student population had grown
steadily over the years, there had not been any major
faculty improvement adding that much needed to be done to
improve the situation.
The Vice Chancellor explained that faculties and researchers
in the various disciplines would be encouraged to develop
contacts and propose collaborative projects which would be
considered on their merit and on availability of funds.
“The two institutions will seek internal and external
sources for support of programmes and exchanges, which may
be developed as a result of this agreement,” he said.
Prof. Tagoe thanked the Board of Trustees of the USF and
pledged the UG’s fullest cooperation to ensure a smooth and
successful exchange programme.
Ms Linda M. Whiteford, Associate Vice-President for Academic
Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Provost,
USF, who signed on behalf of the USF called on all faculties
as well as students to take up the challenge of improving
their status.
GNA
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