The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) hosted a delegation from the University of Venda, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa from November 2-5, 2026. The visit is intended to build a lasting partnership for collaboration in common areas of interest and to exchange knowledge in grantsmanship. 

The delegation includes Prof. Lindiwe Mulaudzi, Director, Centre for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning, Prof. Jubulani Calvin Makhubele, Director, Research and Innovation, Ms.Livhuwani  Nemaangani, Research Administration Coordinator, Mr. Bandile Mpukwana, Account Officer, Ms. Katlego Mashamaite, Administrative Officer.

The visit follows earlier engagements with the College of Education (CoE) Research Development Officers (RDOs) and Dr Joyce Anku, a fellow at the Legon Centre for Educational Research and Policy, who is an alumnus of the University of Venda. The College Grants Office collaborated with the Capacity Building and Research Performance Unit, to plan the activities for the visit.

During their stay, guests will participate in training sessions on project management, and a benchmarking workshop facilitated the research support team at RID. The training forms part of efforts to strengthen institutional partnerships and enhance research management capacity and aligns with the University of Ghana's strategic priority of fostering strategic partnerships and delivering impactful research.

Interacting with the team on Monday 2nd November 2026, Professor Samuel Codjoe, Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID) welcomed the delegation on behalf of Management of the University. He expressed his appreciation to the delegation for choosing the University of Ghana as a partner and underscored the importance of institutional collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Prof. Codjoe provided an overview of the operations of the Office of Research, Innovation and Development and the Research and Innovation Directorate. Having assumed office in August 2026, he shared his vision for strengthening research management systems and improving outcomes and impact of research at the University.

The delegation held discussions with officials of the College of Education represented by Dr. Clement Adamba, Director, Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP), and the College Registrar, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah. Dr Adamba presented key operations of the Centre and offered ideas on how a meaningful partnership with Venda could be sustained. The team also visited the Makerspace and Innovation Enclave. 

The training sessions featured presentations by the grants management team covering models of the grant management lifecycle, identifying funding opportunities, project implementation, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Other presenters set out the framework for Intellectual property and commercialisation of research outcomes, partnerships and industry engagement.

The visit offered a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight from other jurisdictions and exchange ideas on best practice, and underscores RID's commitment to strengthen international collaboration.