MONROVIA – The African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Heritage Christian University College (HCUC) in Ghana, committing both institutions to collaborate in promoting areas of shared interest.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr
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The MOU, among other things, encourages cooperation through support for curriculum development, joint faculty and staff exchanges, faculty development, student exchange programs, professional development for staff and students, and other scholarly activities deemed necessary by both institutions.
Speaking earlier, AME University’s President, Alvin E. Attah, recounted the devastating effects of the long years of civil war on Liberia’s education system.
“The Liberian education system is facing challenges. We endured civil wars from 1989 to 2023. During that period, some of our best educators left the country, and while some have returned, others have not,” he recalled.
President Attah disclosed that as a result, the country experienced a brain drain, leaving the education system with little or no alternatives, and forcing it to essentially start from scratch, as experienced professors were either few or nowhere to be found.
“What we have done and will continue to do as a university is to leverage the opportunities that exist to establish sisterly relationships with universities across the continent of Africa and other parts of the world,” he lamented. He said the partnership would significantly contribute to AME University’s efforts to build the capacity of its students and faculty members.
Also speaking, the Vice President & Provost of Heritage Christian University College, Prof. William Atuilik, indicated that the two institutions share a lot in common, specifically referencing the institutions’ core values.
Prof. Atuilik said, “Just like you, we believe that to pursue excellence, we should reach out to sister institutions on the continent so we can collaborate, hold hands, and travel this journey together.”
The HCUC Provost expressed his excitement when President Attah paid a short visit to HCUC, furthering his desire to establish the relationship sooner rather than later. He asserted that this action underscored AME University’s commitment to the signed MOU, leaving him with no doubt that it would be signed.
For his part, Dr. Timothy Kie, Vice President for Academic Affairs at AME University, thanked HCUC for the warm reception accorded to the AMEU delegation, indicating that it demonstrated the host university’s readiness and enthusiasm to sign the MOU. Dr. Kie wondered why Western and Asian universities were forming partnerships with their African counterparts while African universities were not doing the same with each other.
“What do these Western and Asian universities see that prompts them to form partnerships with African universities, which African universities do not see?” he rhetorically asked.
The signed agreement will, among other things, facilitate the exchange of students and faculty, mentorship opportunities, joint research and service activities, sharing and facilitation of entrepreneurial opportunities, faculty development opportunities, and exchange of scholarly materials.
Rev. Dr. Alvin E. Attah and Dr. Timothy Kie signed on behalf of AME University, while Dr. Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah and Prof. William Atuilik signed on behalf of Heritage Christian University College.