The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in the Volta Region of Ghana marked its 2026 International Day with festivities, celebrating the cultural diversity of the institution. The event aimed to commemorate and promote international collaborations among its faculty and students from various nationalities.
UHAS Commemorates 94 International Partnerships
The University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta Region has hosted the 2026 edition of its annual International Day. The event was a culmination of the University's efforts to foster a community welcoming people of various nationalities and promote international collaborations. According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lydia Aziato, UHAS currently maintains 94 international partnerships worldwide, aimed at enriching student training and faculty development.
Prof Aziato praised the significant contribution of the Cuban faculty in helping the University gain accreditation to establish the School of Medicine, among other accomplishments. She stated, “this is no mean achievement.” She also recognised the contributions of stakeholders, including Nigerian, Indian, and South African faculty, in guiding the University towards its goal of delivering quality training in diverse health disciplines.
Cultural Diversity Strengthens Institutional Identity
The Dean of International Programmes, Prof Elvis Tarkang, stated that UHAS acknowledges the importance of cultural diversity in fostering a vibrant and intellectual environment. He added that a culturally diverse university environment “strengthens our institutional identity, broadens perspectives and enhances the quality of teaching, learning, research, and service.” He noted that through internationalisation, UHAS has equipped students to address complex health issues within different communities.
Prof Tarkang explained that diversity is not just something to be acknowledged but a source of strength that promotes institutional growth, academic excellence, and meaningful partnerships. He highlighted the benefits of internationalisation, which includes providing students with comprehensive training and participating in exchange programmes to share knowledge.
Expert Insights on Successful Internationalisation
Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at Sefako Makatho Health Sciences University in South Africa, highlighted the importance of internationalisation in modern universities. She described it as a platform for students and staff to gain comprehensive training and participate in exchange programmes to share knowledge. She urged universities to integrate internationalisation into their vision and strategic plans, invest in staff development, and regularly assess international initiatives.
Dr Jooste also pointed out that curricula should incorporate global and diverse perspectives, while university management should foster opportunities for intercultural engagement. She concluded that successful internationalisation is not measured by the number of international partnerships or international students on campus. Its true success lies in creating a university where every individual feels respected, included, and empowered to contribute.
UHAS Looks to the Future
As UHAS continues to celebrate its cultural diversity and international partnerships, the University looks to the future with optimism. With its current 94 international partnerships and a growing commitment to internationalisation, UHAS is well-positioned to address complex health issues and provide quality training to its students. The University's efforts to foster a vibrant and intellectual environment will undoubtedly continue to bear fruit in the years to come.
Source: Joy Online
