Education Minister Urges Indonesia to Establish an Islamic Medical University in Northern Ghana
The Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has called on the government of Indonesia to consider establishing an Islamic Medical University in northern Ghana. He emphasized that such a project would bridge the development gap between the northern and southern regions of the country while strengthening the long-standing bilateral and educational ties between Ghana and Indonesia.
Hon. Iddrisu made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois, at his office in Accra. The visit aimed to discuss opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two nations, including Indonesian scholarships for Ghanaian students.
The Minister highlighted the historical bond between Ghana and Indonesia, which dates back to the leadership of their founding presidents, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and H.E. Achmed Sukarno. Through their joint efforts in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), they established a foundation of friendship and cooperation that continues to flourish.
Vision for a Northern Islamic Medical University
Hon. Iddrisu stressed that an Islamic Medical University, focusing on sciences and medical education, would not only boost the educational prospects of northern Ghana but also foster cultural and religious ties between Ghana’s Muslim community and Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.
“The 21st century is defined by competencies, skills, and knowledge in science, technology, and engineering,” he noted. “Ghana continues to face a deficit in the number of medical doctors, particularly in rural and underserved areas. A dedicated Islamic Medical University in the north would address this gap, revolutionize healthcare education in the region, and ultimately contribute to national development.”
Strengthening Educational Collaboration
H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois welcomed the Minister’s proposal, assuring him of his commitment to escalate the idea to the highest levels of the Indonesian government. He also lauded Hon. Iddrisu for his dedication to improving Ghana’s education sector, describing him as an experienced leader with a track record of impactful service.
The Honorary Consul also shared updates on Indonesia’s scholarship opportunities, including the prestigious KNB Scholarship, which is currently open to students from developing countries, including Ghana. He revealed that over 60 Ghanaian students are currently pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Indonesia, with several others having completed their studies and returned to contribute to Ghana’s development.
Educational Exchange Opportunities
Mr. Rois disclosed that his office has engaged with leaders of Ghanaian tertiary institutions, such as the Ghana Technology University, the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast. These engagements aim to foster academic collaborations, including student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and institutional partnerships. He revealed that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Ghanaian and Indonesian universities are in progress, signaling a new chapter in educational relations between the two nations.
A Shared Vision for Progress
Both parties expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-Indonesia relations, particularly in education. Hon. Iddrisu reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging his expertise and leadership to reform Ghana’s education sector while promoting closer ties with Indonesia. Mr. Rois, on his part, expressed confidence that these collaborative efforts would yield lasting benefits for both countries, fostering mutual growth and development.
The call for an Islamic Medical University in northern Ghana is seen as a bold step toward addressing regional inequalities and enhancing healthcare delivery in the country, while further cementing the historic bond between Ghana and Indonesia.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
