The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, has indicated the University’s readiness to admit students from foreign countries who wish to pursue a career in any of the twenty-five (25) accredited programmes it offers.
He made this statement during a meeting with leaders of the All-Nigerian Community-Ghana (ANC-GH), an umbrella organisation representing more than four (4) million Nigerians residing in Ghana. The meeting aimed to finalise discussions on the modalities of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson explained that the programmes, which are offered under two Schools—the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) —are led by highly competent professors. The professors are committed to ensuring that world-class teaching and learning methods, with global appeal, are adopted to enhance students’ marketability after graduation. He also acknowledged the prevailing global economic challenges and stressed the importance of making conscious efforts to keep the wheels of education moving smoothly.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that UESD has taken steps to make University education more affordable and accessible for both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians. Despite the recent fee increase by the Parliament of Ghana for all Public Universities, which would require each foreign student at UESD to pay close to $10,000 per year, the University has maintained its original fee of $3,500. Additionally, the University has introduced a payment mechanism that allows students to pay their fees in monthly installments, alleviating the burden of lump-sum payments. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged students, especially foreign students, to take advantage of the Dean’s Scholarship Scheme, which is being improved to support academically talented students.
The Director of Finance, Mr. Baffour Awuah Kwabi, added that, in line with government directives, all Public Universities are required to charge an additional 25% of the fees to cover general utilities within the University community. However, he noted that UESD’s Management, committed to making the University more accessible to all, has decided not to implement this directive. He also explained that the University’s exchange rates for foreign fees are negotiable. These strategies have been put in place to ensure easier access to education for all.
The President of ANC-GH and leader of the delegation, Dr. Albert Bayo, assured the Vice-Chancellor and the University’s Management of the orgnanisation’s commitment to all collaborative and partnership projects that would be initiated. He also expressed the organiation’s eagerness to finalize discussions on the MoU.
Dr. Bayo formally invited the University to ANC-GH’s National Unity Summit/Seminar and the inauguration of its Stakeholders Brochure at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra on November 8, 2024.
Also present at the meeting were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Edward Wiafe-Debrah; the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong; and the Senior Assistant Registrar in charge of the Office of International Education, Ms. Mavis Kissi.
The ANC-GH delegation included Madam Ophelia Mitchell, First Vice President; Mr. Emeka Alozie, Third Vice President; Mr. Prince Wisdom; and Mr. Yusuf Ambi Anas.