HBCU Africa Education Coalition Explores Collaboration with UGBS
The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) hosted a delegation from the HBCU Africa Education Coalition on Monday, 3rd June 2025, to discuss potential avenues for collaboration between the two institutions. The meeting was held at the UGBS New Conference Room with the Coalition’s Executive Director, Dr. Beverly Amman Booker, and Board Chairman, Mr. Mark Brinkley, 3GC.
In her introductory remarks, Dr. Booker explained that the HBCU Africa Education Coalition is a network of higher educational institutions committed to training students to become leaders. She emphasised that their philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone is a leader who sometimes needs support in making difficult decisions. Dr. Booker noted that the Coalition recognised that the mission of UGBS aligns with their values and priorities, and thus, they were seeking a collaboration that could yield mutual benefits. “There is a common ground,” she said.
Mr. Brinkley elaborated on the purpose of their visit, stating that the Coalition is interested in increasing access to African students through exchange programmes. He acknowledged the immigration challenges often encountered in facilitating such initiatives, particularly with visa approvals, but assured that their organisation is working on measures to ease these difficulties. “Signing an MoU would facilitate the process and grant easier access for exchanges,” he explained. He further enquired about how UGBS would prefer the exchange arrangement to be structured and the forms of engagement they envision. Mr. Brinkley emphasised that while they are based in the United States, they represent global African institutions rather than the American government.
Prof. Elikplimi Agbloyor, Coordinator, UGBS International Relations Unit, warmly welcomed the delegation and gave a comprehensive overview of the Business School, including its various programmes, departments, and international affiliations. He noted that UGBS is a member of several higher education networks, is nationally accredited, and stands among the top business schools on the African continent. He also shed light on the challenges faced by Ghanaian students seeking opportunities abroad, particularly concerning affordability and complex travel processes. Prof. Agbloyor expressed optimism that the potential partnership could help address these issues.
The UGBS School Administrator, Mr. Emmanuel Poku Sarkodee, commended the Coalition’s initiative and affirmed its potential to benefit not only students but also administrators, faculty, and African institutions at large. He further highlighted UGBS’s interest in the exchange programme. Present at the meeting was Mr. Anagli Mohammed Umar Faruq, a UGBS student and the Business House Junior Common Room Coordinator, who is a beneficiary of the HBCU Africa Education Coalition programme.
He shared his personal experiences and the opportunities he has gained through the Coalition. His remarks provided the UGBS team with a deeper understanding of the organisation’s impact. Dr. Booker praised Mr. Anagli’s contributions, saying, “He made you proud, and we are happy to have him in our network.” Moving forward, both institutions agreed to hold further meetings aimed at formulating and signing an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the collaboration and ensure its success.