UG, ARUA Deepen Partnership as ARUA Board Chair Visits University

The Board Chair of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, South Africa, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as part of a two-day visit to the University.

Welcoming Professor Mabizela to the University, Professor Amfo noted that the visit presented an opportunity for the ARUA Board Chair to engage with the University firsthand and further deepen the relationship between the University and ARUA.

She underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among leading African research universities in advancing research, innovation and knowledge exchange across the continent.

Professor Mabizela, for his part, expressed appreciation to the University of Ghana for its continued support and hospitality towards the ARUA Secretariat. He commended Professor Amfo for her leadership and commitment to advancing higher education and research in Africa.

He further emphasised the critical role of African universities in addressing the continent’s development challenges, particularly issues such as gender-based violence and barriers confronting women and girls.

In brief remarks, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Mr. Michael Opare Atuah, gave an overview of the governance structure of the University. He highlighted the University’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on transforming the student experience, advancing research and innovation, supporting faculty and staff, strengthening engagement and partnerships and promoting sustainable resource mobilisation and stewardship.

Professor Mabizela’s two-day visit includes engagements with the ARUA Secretariat, senior University officials and the Department of Mathematics, as well as a tour of selected facilities on the Legon Campus.