UniMAC receives NYU team as global collaboration drive grows

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has welcomed a delegation from New York University (NYU) to deepen international academic collaboration.

The visiting American team was led by Professor Michael Funk, Director of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development at NYU.

He expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that he was confident his students would gain valuable insights from Ghana’s tertiary education system during their stay.

The engagement, which came off on 19th March, 2026, took place at the Council Chamber on UniMAC’s North Dzorwulu campus. It brought together faculty, management, and students for an interactive session.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Professor Winston Abroampa, provided an overview of Ghana’s tertiary education landscape.

He outlined the roles of key stakeholders and institutions that govern and support higher education in the country.

“The only institution mandated to regulate tertiary education in Ghana is the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Before GTEC came into being, there were two institutions in charge — the National Accreditation Board and the National Council for Tertiary Education, both established in 1993,” he explained.

He added, “We have the Ghana Education Service, which serves largely as an implementation body. Teachers at the pre-tertiary level are managed by the GES, which operates under the Ministry of Education.”

Professor Abroampa also highlighted the role of the National Inspectorate Authority, which is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and inspecting schools across the country.

He further noted that although some universities were originally established as specialized institutions, evolving national and global demands have led them to expand their academic programmes.

He cited the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he previously worked, as an example.

During the session, NYU students asked questions about how UniMAC prepares its students to thrive in the competitive private sector.

Responding, Rector of the UniMAC – Institute of Journalism, Professor Christiana Hammond, said the university provides internship opportunities in reputable organizations to help students develop practical media and communication skills.

She added that regular workshops and seminars are organized to bring industry professionals to campus to engage students and equip them for the job market.

According to her, the curriculum also emphasizes hands-on training to ensure students gain practical experience in the communication field.

Dean of the School of Journalism, Professor Etse Sikanku, described the engagement as an important opportunity to broaden students’ exposure. In a light-hearted remark, he noted that although UniMAC students had not yet travelled to New York, they had the chance to interact with peers from the “Big Apple.”

Professor Sikanku later delivered a presentation on Ghana’s media landscape, observing that digital convergence has transformed media practices and intensified competition within the industry.

The event was attended by members of UniMAC management, including Director of Public Affairs, Nana Efua Rockson. Also present were Faculty Officer of the School of Journalism, Mrs. Perpetua Opoku-Agyeman; Faculty Officer for the Centre for Global Education and Collaboration, Mrs. Mary Naa Agbanye Anum; Head of Programmes at SOJAMS, Mr. Kwaku Baah Acheamfour; and a number of UniMAC students.

By Mitchell Asare Amoamah