Penn State Harrisburg Explores Collaborative Opportunities at the University of Ghana Business School
The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) hosted a delegation from Penn State Harrisburg on 10th February 2025 to discuss potential areas of collaboration and partnership. The delegation comprised Prof. Peter B. Idowu- Director of PPL Electric Utilities Power Lab, Dr. Sylvester Osagie- Associate Director for African Partnerships, and Mr. Mel White- Senior Director for Special Projects and Coordination.
Prof. Idowu stated that Penn State Harrisburg is keen on expanding partnerships with West African universities and found UGBS to be a comprehensive institution with potential areas for collaboration. He shared insights into Penn State’s business programmes, PhD opportunities, student exchange initiatives, and joint-supervision prospects, expressing their openness to mutually beneficial activities.
Dr. Osagie spoke about the advantages of study abroad programmes and how international students for both institutions can be supported. He also discussed how faculty and staff engagement contributes to student development and growth. Mr. White sought further details on how international courses at UGBS are regulated, including their crediting system. He also inquired about GNAM, its structure, operational framework, and the universities involved.
Prof. Justice N. Bawole, Dean of UGBS, expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of working with Penn State Harrisburg. He provided an overview of UGBS’s academic structure, including its various departments, graduate programmes, short and certificate courses, executive training, and both weekend and regular study options. He also explained the school’s international engagement, particularly its membership in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), which facilitates networking, student exchanges, and remote collaborations with partner universities worldwide.
Prof. Bawole further elaborated on UGBS’s study abroad programmes which offer students opportunities to study at multiple universities, and the faculty exchange initiatives that bring international students and faculty to UGBS. He noted that these international collaborations enhance student employability, connect graduate students with universities for further studies, and promote diversity.
Additionally, he introduced the delegation to the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub which supports student entrepreneurs in developing business solutions to societal challenges. He noted that the Hub also provides guidance on how science students can commercialise their inventions.
Present for the discussions were Mr. Yaw Tsen Yeboah, Assistant Registrar (Human Resources) and Ms. Saratu Salifu, Assistant Registrar (General Administration). The University of Ghana’s International Programmes Office will therefore oversee the formalisation of the collaboration between UGBS and Penn State Harrisburg.
Story by Gladys Mensah, UGBS Marcomms
Edited by Doris Koffi, UGBS Marcomms