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Delegations from the University of Leeds, UK visits CHS

On July 11, 2024, a delegation from the University of Leeds paid a courtesy visit to the College of Health Sciences (CHS) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The purpose of the visit was to meet with the management, deans, and department heads to explore potential collaborations and partnerships in health sciences.

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare in his remarks welcomed the delegation. He noted that both universities have similar structures, making collaboration more feasible. He emphasized the importance of focusing on research collaboration, student and staff exchange programs.

Professor Ian Wood, a renowned Professor of Molecular Neuroscience, led the delegation from the University of Leeds. He was accompanied by Dr. Piruthivi Sukumar, Pro-Dean International for the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and Mr. Oyedapo Oyeyemi, the University's regional representative for West Africa. During the meeting, the Leeds team highlighted their strengths in cardiovascular health, cancer research, mental health, psychology, and non-communicable diseases. They expressed a strong interest in partnering with KNUST to address global health challenges.

The College of Health Sciences, KNUST was also represented by Lucy Diawuo, Esq., Registrar of the College; Professor Antwi Kusi, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences; Professor Emmanuel Nakua, Vice Dean of the School of Public Health; Professor Alender Oti Acheampong, Dean of the School of Dentistry; Prof. Samuel Asare Nkansah, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Prof. Veronica Millicent Dzomeku the Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Professor Moses Sunday Omoniyi, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Sports Science.

The Deans from the various faculties and schools presented their research strengths and areas of expertise, highlighting the critical role of research in addressing health concerns specific to Ghana and the wider African continent.  Key areas of potential collaboration were identified, including joint research projects, student exchange programs, which will offer opportunities for students from both universities to learn and experience different healthcare systems and research environments, and faculty collaborations. These initiatives aim to leverage the combined expertise of both institutions to tackle key health challenges, provide students with opportunities to learn from different healthcare systems and encourage knowledge sharing and joint publications among researchers.

Professor Agyare, in his closing remarks, thanked the University of Leeds delegation for their visit, emphasizing the importance of this initial step in building a strong and lasting partnership. He expressed his confidence that the collaboration would benefit both institutions, their students, and the wider healthcare community.  “This partnership has the potential to shape the future of healthcare, not only for Ghana but for the global community”, he added.