The British Council Country Director to Ghana, Nii Doodo Dodoo has visited the University of Bradford to meet with a vibrant group of Ghanaian students. The meeting, which was attended by high-profile dignitaries of the university, including Professor Vishanth Weerakkody, a Pro-Vice-Chancellor, aimed to foster a positive relationship between the British Council and international students of Ghanaian origin, allowing them to share their fresh perspectives on living and studying in the UK.
Organised by Dr Joseph Danquah of the School of Management, University of Bradford, the event was a lively and engaging session where students from various disciplines had the chance to discuss their educational journeys, challenges, and the opportunities they have encountered since arriving in the UK. In his welcome brief, Dr Danquah advised the students to remain focused on their studies, live within the confines of the laws of the country, and cast their nets wide to attract hidden opportunities. “Be daring. Don’t be intimidated by the culture here. But, by all means, act within the law”.
Mr Doodo who oversees British Council initiatives in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon took time to understand the experiences of the Ghanaian students, stressing the British Council’s commitment to supporting international education and cultural exchange. He shared how the UK values strong educational ties with Ghana, saying “The UK is a preferred destination for experiential academic journeys, welcoming hundreds of thousands of international students. We are here to support your journey, not only in terms of academic success but in fostering cross-cultural understanding that will benefit both countries”.
He encouraged the students to take advantage of the many opportunities that come with a UK education, reflecting on a number of opportunities he has come across throughout his work with the British Council. He again persuaded them to develop a strong mindset of possibilities and return to Ghana, after some years, to set up multi-million-pound businesses. “With new skills and perspectives gained from your time in the UK, I expect you to return to Ghana after your studies and contribute positively to the development agenda”.
During a questions-and-answers session, the students expressed gratitude to Mr Doodo for the visit. Many shared their personal stories of navigating life at the University of Bradford, from overcoming initial cultural adjustments to excelling in their studies.
Mr. Sammy Crabbe, former NPP vice chairman and PhD candidate at the University of Bradford, shared his experience of starting ACS-BPS in 2000. He recounted letting go of 300 employees with disruptive work ethics and replacing them with fresh graduates, which helped the company grow to 2,600+ employees. He shared this to help students understand that tough decisions are sometimes necessary for long-term success in their entrepreneurial journey.
In his concluding comments, Mr Doodo admonished the students never to give up in the face of daunting challenges. “Challenges may come. You may face difficulties and fail at some points but think like Thomas Edison. Every failure must be seen as a step closer to success”.
Professor Vishanth expressed high optimism for a continued relationship between the university and the British Council and commented briefly about the Ghanaian culture of resilience and respect. “Ghanaian students are hardworking and respectful. Keep up with such high social standards”, he advised.
