In a significant move to expand its regional footprint in sub-Saharan Africa, the West Africa Hub of The Education Collaborative, in collaboration with the International University of Grand Bassam (IUGB), hosted a meeting with eight prominent institutions in Ivory Coast. The gathering took place at the International University of Grand Bassam and brought together key leaders, deans of students, provosts, and faculty members to discuss strategies for improving student outcomes in higher education within the country.
Since the establishment of the West Africa Hub in 2022, The Education Collaborative has primarily engaged with IUGB, which has a representative on the hub’s strategic committee. This visit to Ivory Coast marks a critical step in enlisting additional institutions into The Collaborative, aiming to scale programs and initiatives that equip higher education institutions to develop ethical and entrepreneurial leaders capable of addressing societal challenges. The institutions present at the meeting included Université Internationale Claire Fontaine, SEEKA University, TG MASTER-UNIVERSITY, Université du MAGHREB de Côte d’Ivoire (UPMACI), University of Abidjan, British International University (BIU), INP-HB Institut, and the International University of Grand Bassam.
Delegates from The Education Collaborative included Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University and Chair of the Strategic Committee for the West Africa Hub; Mr. Abdul Mahdi, Dean of Students and Community Affairs at Ashesi University; Ms. Rita Abla Dugbenu, West Africa Hub Coordinator; and Ms. Grace Amponsah, Programs Coordinator at The Education Collaborative.
During the meeting, participants engaged in discussions centered around institutional priorities and collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing student outcomes. “We appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your institution’s priorities and your hard work in driving student success,” said Dean Abdul Mahdi. “This meeting is a vital platform for sharing insights and identifying actionable steps that promote meaningful partnerships.”
Speaking at the event, Professor DeBrenna Agbenyiga, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at IUGB, stated, “At IUGB, we prioritize student success and engagement. We will require all students to take an ethics course, and we look forward to learning from the GVV Africa Course available through The Education Collaborative.”
She added, “When we joined The Education Collaborative, we struggled to determine our priorities due to the vast amount of information available. We are excited to collaborate with the West African Hub to assist new institutions in Ivory Coast in onboarding smoothly.”
Dr Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University and Chair of the Strategic Committee, West Africa Hub, in his remarks, mentioned that “as members of The Education Collaborative and the West Africa Hub, we must not lose sight of the big picture. Institutions, whether big, small, public private, must recognize that we are all working towards the goal of building our students to be equipped and ready for life. Every institution has a voice, and they must bring it to the table for us all to deliberate, make decisions, and figure the way forward.”
Attendees also explored ongoing programs within The Education Collaborative, gaining an appreciation for various initiatives designed to support educational advancement across Africa. As The Education Collaborative continues to strengthen its relationships with institutions throughout the continent, it remains dedicated to its mission of transforming learning outcomes for students by leveraging collective knowledge and sharing resources among educators. The engagement with Ivorian institutions is just one of many efforts aimed at advancing collaboration and driving impactful change in higher education across West Africa and the continent.
