The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medical Sciences, On September 10, 2024, welcomed a delegation from Njala University, Sierra Leone, to discuss a potential collaboration between the two institutions. The meeting, held in the School of Medical Sciences boardroom, brought together heads of the various departments at the KNUST’s School of Medical Sciences, the Vice Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof Fred Stephen Sarfo, and an eight-member delegation from Njala University. Led by Professor Sahr Moses Gevao, Chairman of the Council for Postgraduate Colleges of Health and Professor of Hematology, the delegation's goal was to establish a collaboration that would improve Njala University's Medical School.
The main goal of the visit was to support the growth of Njala University's recently founded medical school and improve its training programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sciences, among other health-related fields. The cooperation was envisioned as a long-term strategy to help both universities meet the needs of Njala's medical programs. During the meeting, Professor Sahr Moses Gevao, Chairman of the Council for Postgraduate Colleges of Health and Haematology Expert, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing staffing and academic issues. “Our medical school is still in its early stages, and to grow into a world-class institution, we need partnerships that will provide the expertise and manpower required. Professor Gevao stated, "KNUST's experience in medical education will help us meet those needs," alluding to the requirement for manpower support.
A key part of the discussion also focused on understanding the pedagogical facilities available at KNUST. The delegation expressed a strong interest in exploring KNUST’s training programs in the Basic Medical Sciences and sought guidance on implementing similar resources at Njala University. The goal is to build the infrastructure and systems to ensure quality medical science education. “We’ve seen how KNUST has structured its training programs, and we hope to replicate these practices at Njala to improve our training capacity”
The visit included discussions about student training placements at Njala University. The delegation asked to have their trainees placed at KNUST so they could obtain specialised training and practical experience. This would give Njala students access to advanced medical training and clinical experience, which they do not currently have at their university.
Professor Gevao also spoke about the need for faculty exchange and development, expressing hope that KNUST’s academic staff could take adjunct or sabbatical positions at Njala University. This would support the training and development of their faculty, helping Njala build a stronger academic framework. “We are not only looking for student exchanges but also faculty collaboration. Having KNUST lecturers join us temporarily would significantly improve our teaching capacity,” Professor Gevao added.
To formalize these discussions, the delegation agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KNUST and Njala University. The MoU would solidify the partnership and outline the terms of collaboration, including faculty exchanges, student placements, and joint research projects. Both institutions expressed hope about the future of the collaboration. “We are looking forward to signing this agreement and beginning a long-term partnership that will benefit both our universities,” The Vice Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof Fred Stephen Sarfo concluded.
The Vice Dean of KNUST’s School of Medical Sciences welcomed the delegation's initiative and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering international collaborations in the medical field. The meeting concluded with plans to further explore the terms of the partnership and finalize the signing of the MoU soon.
