The Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), which began operations in May 2020 as a public university in Wa, Ghana, is actively seeking to expand international partnerships with universities in China to boost academic excellence and promote cultural exchange. As the world becomes increasingly connected with China and Ghana facing shared tropical challenges in a shifting geopolitical landscape, the Vice Chancellor of SDD-UBIDS, Prof. Emmanuel K. Derbile believes that international cooperation, particularly South-South partnerships, offers practical solutions to the pressing issues of climate change and food insecurity.
High-level meeting with Hebei Agricultural University
A high-level meeting facilitated by Prof. Felix Dapaare (the Interim Council Chairman of SDD-UBIDS and the immediate past president of the African Academy of Sciences) was held with top officials from Hebei Agricultural University including the president of Hebei Agricultural University (HEBAU) Prof. Zhao Jianjun and the vice deans of the Colleges of International Education and Exchanges and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in Baoding, Hebei, China. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel K. Derbile and the Director of International Collaborations, Prof. Millicent A. Akaateba, represented SDD-UBIDS. Representatives at the meeting pledged to enhance academic collaboration between SDD-UBIDS and Hebei Agricultural University.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the two universities to cooperate to promote sustainable development through several initiatives. These include joint curriculum development efforts and exchanging faculty members and researchers to build capacity for training in the area of agriculture and food technology. Others include conducting joint research projects, implementing student exchange programmes, and hosting joint academic activities such as conferences, seminars, and other educational partnerships. These collaborative initiatives aim to enhance global academic excellence, address pressing global challenges, and foster intercultural exchanges to enable SDD-UBIDS to produce globally competitive graduates in line with its vision.
Collaboration meeting with Hebei Agricultural University
The SDD-UBIDS delegation interacted with the leadership of Hebei University in Boading, China to explore opportunities for academic and cultural cooperation. The meeting was attended by the Vice President of Hebei University, Prof. Zhang Yangjian, the deputy deans of the colleges of Life Sciences and International Exchange and Education and the Director of the Office of International Cooperation. Discussions in the meeting centred on various opportunities for international collaboration, including establishing a Confucius Institute at SDD-UBIDS to promote the study of the Chinese language and culture in Ghana and the West African sub-region. When established, it would be the third Confucius Institute in Ghana after the Institutes in Accra and Cape Coast.
 |
 |
Stakeholders at the meeting underscored the importance of this institute for promoting international cooperation with China. Additionally, the team discussed the need to initiate partnerships in the life sciences through curriculum development, doctoral education, and scholarship opportunities. Founded in 1921, Hebei University has a rich history in international exchanges and education and is committed to fostering global partnerships.
Collaboration Agreement with Hainan University
In the field of tourism and hospitality management, SDD-UBIDS entered into an agreement to collaborate with Hainan University in Haikou, China. This collaboration aims to leverage the shared resources of both universities to create joint and dual degree programmes at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels, engage in collaborative research and talent development, and promote exchanges for faculty and students. Overall, SDD-UBIDS seeks to strengthen its partnerships with Chinese universities to establish a renowned centre of excellence in applied higher education, thereby advancing talent development, scientific research, and community outreach initiatives.