The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has reaffirmed its growing international stature with the reception of a distinguished Norwegian scholar, Prof. Terje Skjerdal, under the prestigious Erasmus+ Mobility Programme. The visit which will end on 20th March 2026, marks a significant milestone in UniMAC’s strategic drive to expand global partnerships, foster academic excellence, and enhance cross-border knowledge exchange.
Prof. Skjerdal, who is affiliated with NLA University College, is undertaking a series of high-level academic engagements with faculty, researchers, and students across the University, including a webinar dubbed, “African Journalism Identities in the 2020’s: Presentation of New Research Findings”. His visit is expected to strengthen ongoing collaborations while opening new frontiers in journalism education, research, and professional practice.
Welcoming the visiting Professor on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Winston Abroampa, described the engagement as both timely and strategic. He underscored UniMAC’s commitment to meaningful international partnerships that yield tangible outcomes. “I do not believe in collaborations that merely exist on paper,” Prof. Abroampa stated. “We must actively pursue opportunities that translate into real impact—through staff and student exchanges, joint research, and shared expertise.”
The Pro Vice-Chancellor further charged the Centre for Global Education and Collaboration (GCEC) to intensify efforts in securing funding and developing proposals that will expand participation in international exchange programmes. He emphasised key priority areas including capacity building, joint publications, academic mobility, and institutional partnerships.
In his remarks, Prof. Skjerdal expressed enthusiasm about his long-anticipated visit to UniMAC, particularly the Institute of Journalism, which he described as, “one of the leading journalism training institutions in Ghana and across Africa.” He highlighted the transformative potential of the Erasmus+ programme in broadening academic exposure and pledged to leverage the partnership to create more opportunities for Ghanaian students and scholars.
Drawing from his extensive engagement with journalists across Ghana and the African continent, Prof. Skjerdal noted that the visit presents a valuable platform to share insights, deepen professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing academic discourse within the University.
Providing further context, the Director of the CGEC, Dr. Lawrencia Agyapong, explained that the visit is carefully structured to maximise academic and institutional impact. She outlined a comprehensive itinerary that includes a public lecture, guest teaching sessions, and strategic meetings with key stakeholders.
Dr. Agyapong reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to forging sustainable international partnerships that drive excellence, innovation, and global relevance in teaching and research.
The Dean of the School of Journalism and Media Studies (SOJAMS), Prof. Godwin Etse Sikanku, giving remarks at the meeting, emphasised the School’s resolve to deepen collaboration with international partners. He noted that the partnership with NLA University College offers a unique opportunity to explore evolving dynamics within global media ecosystems. “Our goal is to establish strong research hubs that facilitate the exchange of knowledge, pedagogy, and professional skills,” he said. “This collaboration will significantly enhance our capacity in journalism training and research.”
The welcome meeting was also attended by key members of the University’s academic leadership, including the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. Benedine Azanu; the Acting Head of the Department of Journalism, Dr. Caroline Aboagye Da-Costa; and the Assistant Registrar at the Centre for Global Education and Collaboration, Ms. Mary Naa Agbanye Anum.
Prof. Skjerdal’s visit is expected to leave a lasting imprint on UniMAC’s academic community, reinforcing the University’s position as a leading hub for media, arts, and communication education in Africa, and a credible partner in the global academic ecosystem.