Education Minister Pushes for Islamic Medical University in Northern Ghana

Ghana’s Education Minister Engages Indonesian Envoy to Strengthen Bilateral Educational Ties

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu calls on Indonesia to establish an Islamic Medical University in Northern Ghana, aiming to enhance medical education and strengthen Ghana-Indonesia relations.






Education Minister Advocates for Islamic Medical University in Northern Ghana

Ghana’s Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has urged the Republic of Indonesia to consider establishing an Islamic Medical University in the northern part of Ghana. The proposal, according to the minister, will help bridge regional development gaps, expand access to medical education, and strengthen Ghana-Indonesia bilateral relations.

Hon. Iddrisu made this request during a courtesy call by H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Ministry of Education in Accra.



Bridging the North-South Development Gap

The Education Minister emphasized that locating the proposed university in Northern Ghana would help balance educational development between the north and the south.

“A dedicated Islamic Medical University with a strong emphasis on science and medicine will not only enhance medical education but also foster stronger ties between the Islamic community in Ghana and Indonesia,” Hon. Iddrisu stated.



He further noted that Ghana faces a shortage of medical doctors, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. The establishment of such a university would help increase the number of trained medical professionals in the country, improving healthcare delivery in disadvantaged regions.



Strengthening Ghana-Indonesia Educational Ties

Hon. Iddrisu praised the longstanding Ghana-Indonesia relationship, which dates back to the era of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and H.E. Achmed Sukarno. He expressed optimism that further collaborations in education and human resource development would benefit both nations.

He also highlighted the 21st-century global focus on STEM education, stating:

“The future lies in competencies, skills, and knowledge—particularly in science, mathematics, and engineering. This university will be a game-changer for medical education in Northern Ghana.”




Indonesia’s Response: A Step Towards Realization

The Honorary Consul of Indonesia, H.E. Paskal A.B. Rois, welcomed the proposal, assuring the minister that he would escalate the request to Indonesian authorities for a possible positive response.

He congratulated Hon. Haruna Iddrisu on his appointment as Education Minister, commending his dedication and leadership in Ghana’s education sector.

“Given your expertise and political experience, I am confident you will bring positive reforms to Ghana’s education sector,” Mr. Rois stated.




Indonesian Scholarships for Ghanaian Students

The discussion also touched on Indonesian government scholarships available to Ghanaian students.

H.E. Rois provided details on the KNB Scholarship Programme, which is open to students from developing countries, including Ghana. He revealed that:

More than 60 Ghanaian students are currently studying in Indonesia under fully and partially funded scholarships.

At least six students have returned to Ghana after completing their Master’s and PhD programs in Indonesia.

Over 30 universities in Indonesia offer scholarships covering undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degree programmes.


The Honorary Consul also disclosed ongoing collaborations with Ghanaian universities, including the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the Ghana Technology University (GTU).



MoU for Exchange Programmes Between Ghana and Indonesia

H.E. Rois announced plans for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between universities in Ghana and Indonesia to facilitate faculty and student exchange programs.

“The MoU will allow lecturer-to-lecturer and student-to-student exchanges between Ghanaian and Indonesian universities, strengthening our educational ties,” he explained.



The agreement is expected to enhance academic cooperation and create new opportunities for students and faculty in both countries.



Ghana’s Education Sector: The Way Forward

Hon. Haruna Iddrisu assured the Indonesian delegation that his ministry would work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foster stronger educational relations.

He reiterated his commitment to improving Ghana’s education sector, stating that his focus would be on:

✅ Expanding access to tertiary education

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✅ Enhancing STEM education and medical training

✅ Strengthening international educational partnerships

The Education Minister’s push for an Islamic Medical University in Northern Ghana aligns with the government’s broader vision of improving medical education, regional development, and international collaboration.