Winneba(CR), June 15, GNA - Authorities of University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three West African Universities to enhance academic work and development. They are University of Lagos, Nigeria, University de'Lome, Togo and University of Charlse-Louis De Montesquieu, (UCLM), Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire.

Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, Vice-Chancellor of UEW signed for the University whiles Professor Urbain Amoa, Vice-Chancellor of University of Charlse-Louis De Montesiquieu signed for UCLM. Professor V.B. Owhotu, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science Education, signed for University of Lagos, while Professor Mensa Nubukpo signed for University de`Lome.

Under the MOU, they would set up a framework for training and exchange programmes among students from the four universities through an inter-University conference for doctoral studies. Others are to create a system whereby students of member institutions could register and pursue a multi-lingual PhD programme under one umbrella.

It would foster recognition of Diplomas and Certificates of member institutions to address the problem of disparities in the content of training programmes and awarding of degrees and diplomas with limited value.

In addition, it would help create a pool of experts, especially for the supervision of doctoral theses and enhance staff development through the facilitation of movement of researchers within the setting of the various Universities.

Professor Asabere-Ameyaw, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, stressed the need to reduce dependency on western institutions for high calibre of research, "a situation which often tends to deviate African scholars from the right perspective on African issues."

He said most of the problems being economic, political, social or academic could not be solved "if we deviate from the right perspectives as a result of over dependent on Western institutions for research." Professor Asabere-Ameyaw urged them to continue with the spirit of collaboration that inspired the signing of the MOU.