UniMAC partners University of Fraser Valley

The University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has announced a partnership with the University of Fraser Valley (UFV) in Canada to provide students with a more globalised outlook on media, arts and communication studies.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra last Friday, the Director of the Centre for International Relations (CIR) of the UniMAC-Ghana Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-GIJ), Dr Lawrencia Agyepong, said the partnership was part of the university's vision to internationalise its programmes and provide students with world-class education.

“The collaboration with UFV is expected to enhance the quality of UniMAC's programmes and provide students with opportunities for cultural exchange and academic growth.

“Under the agreement, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, students from both UniMAC and UFV will have the opportunity to participate in online courses and work on joint projects, fostering a sense of global citizenship and collaboration,” she said.

Dr Agyepong explained that the partnership was initially set to run for three years, with the possibility of extension based on its success.

While the exact number of students to be involved in the programme has not been disclosed, she indicated that the online nature of the courses would allow for flexibility and accessibility for students from both institutions.

The interview was arranged on the sidelines of a public lecture at the UniMAC-GIJ.

Scope of partnership

The partnership is part of the UniMAC-GIJ Vice-Chancellor’s vision to drive the university's internationalisation agenda, with the partnership with UFV seen as a major milestone in this effort.

As part of the programme, some students of UniMAC will spend two years in Ghana for their undergraduate studies and spend the remaining two years at the UFV in Canada and vice versa.

It is expected to have a positive impact on UniMAC students, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage with international peers, develop global perspectives, and enhance their career prospects in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Mutual growth, development

The Chair of the Department of Political Science at UFV, Prof. Edward Akuffo, serving as Guest Lecturer, said the partnership offered hope for the mutual growth and development of the two institutions and their respective students.

He said as Ghana and Canada continued to nurture their bilateral relations, he was optimistic that the partnership would yield mutual benefits, driving growth, development, and peace in both nations.

Prof. Akuffo indicated that the partnership was expected to deepen intercultural communication and enhance education, with plans to develop a curriculum that would allow UniMAC students to complete part of their undergraduate studies in Ghana and the remaining years in Canada to earn a Canadian degree.

Public lecture

Speaking during the lecture attended by faculty members and students, Prof. Akuffo lauded Ghana for maintaining a good reputation in the international space, saying it had made it one of the most attractive African countries for international investors.

He emphasised that Ghana's "soft power" had been a key factor in attracting Canadian investment and support over the years.

“Ghana's contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and its commitment to democratic governance since 1992 have positioned it as a reliable partner for international cooperation.

“The Canadian government has taken notice of Ghana's progress, selecting it as one of its bilateral partners for the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations,” he said.

Prof. Akuffo further stated that Canada's investment in Ghana had been significant, particularly in the extractive industry, with approximately 13 Canadian mining companies operating in the country.

He added that Canada had always maintained a good relationship with Ghana and longed to always maintain a mutual relationship for mutual development.