The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, Professor Edward Debrah Wiafe, has presided over a meeting with visiting Professors from the Grand Valley State University (GVSU), USA, and the James Madison University (JMU), USA, as part of efforts to deepen international academic collaboration. Professor Adebayo Ogundipe is the Dean of the Padnos College of Engineering at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), USA, and Professor David Owusu-Ansah, Director of Access and Educational Outreach at James Madison University (JMU), USA.
The purpose of the visit was to explore collaborative opportunities in engineering education, research, sustainability, and community development.
Joined by faculty and senior University officials, Professor Wiafe Debrah led discussions aimed at fostering partnerships in engineering education, research, sustainability, and community development. Key areas of discussion included interdisciplinary collaboration in renewable energy, environmental monitoring, circular economy practices, and sustainability engineering. The meeting also explored opportunities for joint research, co-publications, faculty exchanges, and curriculum development targeting shared environmental challenges.
Central to the discussions was the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty from GVSU, JMU, and UESD. The delegation explored key areas such as renewable energy, environmental monitoring, circular economy practices, and sustainability engineering. Emphasis was placed on joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, co-publications, and curriculum development aimed at addressing global environmental challenges through academic partnerships.
Another focal point of the engagement was the alignment of shared interests in climate change adaptation, waste management, environmental data analytics, and the development of community-engaged technological solutions. The delegation recognized these areas as critical for immediate and future cooperation.
Professor Ogundipe spoke on the concept of Community-Based Experiential Learning (CoBEL), highlighting its success at GVSU in connecting academic learning to real-world community challenges. The model resonates with UESD’s vision to produce graduates who are not only academically competent but also community-oriented problem-solvers.
The conversations further explored student exchange opportunities. Plans were discussed for semester-long exchanges, summer internships, research assistantships, and joint supervision of theses and capstone projects.
Both visiting Professors delivered strategic remarks underscoring the importance of partnerships built on mutual respect, shared goals, and sustainable development. Professor Ogundipe emphasised the power of knowledge transfer and student engagement in driving meaningful change, while Professor Owusu-Ansah reaffirmed JMU’s commitment to expanding its educational outreach and collaboration with institutions in Ghana.
The meeting resolved that, UESD will establish a dedicated team to coordinate follow-up actions, develop a joint proposal framework, and outline student exchange priorities. GVSU will liaise with its Office of International Programmes to explore the logistics of faculty collaboration, equipment transfer, and co-supervision of academic work. JMU will explore short-term faculty visits and remote teaching collaborations. Both UESD and GVSU agreed to begin the process of renewing or expanding their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).