KNUST E-Learning Centre hosts IPO podcast on travel facilitation and global partnerships
The International Programmes Office (IPO) hosted a podcast at the E-Learning Centre’s multimedia studios. The podcast was on travel facilitation and partnership support. The discussion featured Professor Daniel Duah, Dean of the IPO, and Superintendent Rebecca Yeboah from the Ghana Immigration Service. The session showed the role of partnerships and the support provided to students exploring international opportunities. The podcast began with Professor Duah explaining the importance of partnerships in enhancing KNUST's international programs. “Partnerships are neccessary for our success. Over the past 20 years, our collaborations have enabled us to offer opportunities to students, including scholarships and exchange programs.”
Professor Duah explained the dual aspects of student mobility facilitated by the IPO. “We handle inbound students, who come from our partner institutions to KNUST, and outbound students, who travel to partner universities abroad. We also manage scholarship programs for students pursuing advanced degrees. Opportunities are advertised on our website and social media platforms, so it's important for students to stay informed.” He provided examples of recent initiatives, such as the two-plus-two program with New Mexico Tech and the exchange program with Hohai University in China.
“These programs offer students the chance to spend part of their degree abroad. We’ve seen strong interest, particularly from the College of Engineering and the College of Science.” The conversation shifted to the role of the Ghana Immigration Service in supporting international students.
Superintendent Rebecca Yeboah explained the services provided by her office. “Our role involves assisting students with visa and immigration issues. We handle cases on an individual basis and ensure that students comply with immigration regulations.”
Professor Duah, also added the importance of mutual benefits in partnerships. “Successful partnerships are those where both parties gain. We work to ensure that the partnerships KNUST engages in are beneficial for all involved.”
Professor Duah said that maintaining long-term partnerships requires active management. “Partnerships that last are those driven by dedicated individuals. We’ve developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) app to help track and renew agreements. This ensures that we keep our partnerships active and productive.”
The podcast also addressed how KNUST and the Ghana Immigration Service manage diverse backgrounds among students. “Handling a diverse student population requires understanding and flexibility.
We are trained to manage different needs and ensure that every student receives the support they require,” Supt Yeboah said. The podcast ended with a call for continued engagement and awareness of international opportunities. The technological support provided by the KNUST E-Learning Centre, facilitated the smooth running of the podcast.
Published: 29th August, 2024 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre