The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and Zenith Bank Ghana Limited have opened discussions toward a strategic partnership aimed at fostering mutual growth and exploring collaborative opportunities in education, finance, and institutional development.
This came up when the Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Ghana, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, led a delegation from the bank to pay a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor.
The visit was aimed at establishing a strong working relationship that aligns with the strategic development goals of both institutions.
Professor Mawutor welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of collaboration in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
He noted that higher education institutions can only sustain their relevance by forging meaningful partnerships with industry and the corporate world.
He, therefore, expressed UPSA’s readiness to collaborate with Zenith Bank in areas that will promote innovation, technology, and practical learning experiences for students.
“The world is about collaboration,” Prof. Mawutor noted. “Competition only produces a winner or a loser—but with collaboration, it’s a win-win for everybody.”
Outlining his vision for the university, the Vice-Chancellor—who assumed office in January this year—announced plans to establish an ultra-modern IT campus as part of UPSA’s digital transformation agenda.
He also disclosed that coding has been introduced as a compulsory course for all undergraduate students to equip them with essential digital skills for the future of work.
In addition, he highlighted a number of transformative initiatives being rolled out under his leadership, including the flagship Faculty-Authored Book Project.
The initiative seeks to encourage lecturers to write and publish academic textbooks that reflect real Ghanaian business case studies, which will serve as relevant and practical teaching resources in the classroom.
Prof. Mawutor appealed to Zenith Bank for financial support to help bring these initiatives to fruition.
In his response, Mr. Onwuzurigbo commended the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and forward-thinking approach.
“Your vision aligns with Zenith Bank’s, and we are most excited to come on board,” he said. “I would be grateful if we can formalize these discussions to kickstart this new partnership.”
The Zenith Bank delegation included Mr. Clifford Mensah, Executive Director; Mr. James W. Akenten, Divisional Head, Marketing; Mr. Raymond Azungah, Group Head, Marketing; Mr. Daniel Azakpoh, Head, Public Sector; and Mr. Martin Sarpong Yeboah, Relationship Manager, Public Sector.
Also present at the meeting for UPSA were Mrs. Lorraine Gyan, Registrar; Prof. Samuel Antwi, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer; and Mrs. Aba Lokko, Director of Public Affairs.
