UNICAL goes global, presents degrees to 13 midwifery graduates in Ghana – Converseer

KUMASI (CONVERSEER) – The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has gone global with its degree in an exchange programme between the University and the Garden City University College (GCUC) Kumasi, Ghana.

This comes as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, presented Master’s Degree certificates of the University of Calabar to the 13 pioneer graduates of Midwifery in the Garden City University College, Ghana.

The linkage between both universities came into light in June 2020 when a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed, paving the way for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

However, in September 2022, the MoAa was reviewed to pave the way for the admission of the first batch of candidates in the Master’s Degree in Midwifery, who had just received their certificates.

Speaking during the presentation of the certificates to the graduands, the VC of UNICAL described the partnership between the two higher education institutions in the West African sub-region as “functional and promising”.

“This partnership is more heartwarming, coming at a time when universities in Ghana and across other nations are gradually making inroads into the Higher Education ecosystem of our country, Nigeria, with their degrees.

“Today, we gather to celebrate the graduands of our Master of Science degree programme in Midwifery. These individuals have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. As we present these certificates to them, we acknowledge their hard work and the value they bring to the field of midwifery.

“The primary objective of this partnership is to mentor GCUC in their Postgraduate Midwifery programme, leveraging our expertise to enhance their academic offerings.

“Currently, a number of University of Calabar staff of Nursing Science are involved in teaching and supervision of GCUC students. We aimed to bring our standards of academic excellence to bear on GCUC programmes, ensuring that their graduates meet not only the UNICAL academic standards but the highest global benchmarks.

“In addition to the partnership with Garden City University College, the University of Calabar has seriously keyed into the internationalisation process with two other institutions in Cameroon (Institut Superieur Sapientiae, Bafoussam, and the Chartered Institute of Management and Technology Buea, running the University of Calabar degree programs.

The VC of UNICAL added that both institutions also agreed to undertake the exchange of scholars, professional staff and students of the Midwifery programme in direct teaching and supervision, pursue joint research, and sharing of relevant academic information between them.

She maintained that the ceremony was not just a celebration of academic achievement; rather, it represents the culmination of shared vision for excellence in midwifery education.

“The graduation ceremony demonstrates our commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing across Africa and the world, and I am proud to see our partnership bearing fruit.

“At the University of Calabar, we pride ourselves on our rigorous academic standards. We have worked closely with GCUC to ensure that their programme meets these standards, and I’m delighted to see the fruits of our labour. The graduands before us today are a testament to the success of this partnership.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the management and staff of GCUC for their tireless efforts in making this partnership a success. To the graduands, I congratulate you on your achievement. May your time at GCUC and the University of Calabar’s mentorship shape your careers and inspire you to make a positive impact in your communities”, she said.

Scholars at the event include: the Acting President of Garden City University College, Kumasi, Dr Nana Owusu-Kwarteng, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Linkages and Collaborations, UNICAL, Prof. Peter Okafor, the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, UNICAL, Prof. Eyong Ubana Eyong, the Director of Academic Planning, UNICAL, Prof. Omoogun Ajayi, and the HoD of Nursing Science, UNICAL, Prof. Regina Ella, and other principal officers of GCUC.

The guest of honour and keynote speaker was the Hon Register/CEO Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, Ms Philomina Woolley.