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CODESRIA HELP Call for Proposals for National Working Groups & Comparative Research Networks

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Within the framework of its mandate to build knowledge on Africa produced in the African continent or by the African scholars, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites
proposals from researchers based in African universities and research centres to constitute *National Working Groups (NWGs), and/ or Comparative Research Networks (CRNs)*, to  undertake studies around its newly launched research programme  on higher education leadership in Africa (HELP).

This call for proposals is intended for university based scholars and researchers from the six countries that are, for the time being, covered by the project. These are Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa.

The Higher Education Leadership Programme (HELP)
Globally, higher education has undergone profound changes over the last two decades. Traditional conceptions of the university have been challenged by the forces of globalization, the increased use of ICTs, and the
introduction and spread of the market logic into the higher education sector. Today, a variety of new types of higher education institutions exists. Student demographics, access and delivery modes have changed too.
In the midst of these changes traditional modes of higher education governance and leadership have come under close scrutiny. Central to this questioning especially with regard to higher education institutions in
Africa is not only how traditional governance structures (where they still exist), are responding to these changes, but also what kind of leadership and governance is needed to position the institutions to confront the
challenges and positively respond to the development challenges of their societies.  Higher education leadership in the continent face continued pressures to innovate and adapt to the rapid changes affecting the sector, and those affecting the societies more generally.

With the advent of a global consensus on the importance of knowledge for development, African higher education is receiving much greater attention than before. The strategic importance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the education systems has now been widely recognized and acknowledged. However, the leadership of universities in Africa is increasingly obliged to respond to or adapt to changes coming from Europe and the United States, such as those associated with the Bologna Process, and the introduction of the LMD (the French acronym for Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degree programmes) in Francophone Africa, and the broad allay of forces in global higher education categorized as Internationalization

What are the implications of such changes for HE leadership and how have the adaptation processes contributed to the evolution of leadership roles in African universities? How can African HE leaders ensure that African HE continues to be informed by, and relevant to Africa’s realities and needs for democratic transformation and development, rather than being primarily driven by concerns that are far removed from those of the African continent and its peoples?

A key issue that this Programme will seek to address, therefore, is to better understand the various changes taking place with regard to the governance and leadership of higher education institutions in Africa, the
nature and forces at play in constituting leadership and governance organs in HEIs in Africa,  the extent to which changes in governance and leadership  of African HE have contributed or not to changing the general
perceptions of the mission and roles of HEIs, documenting of case studies of governance and leadership that have had a positive impact in repositioning the institutions to respond to their missions (weather such
leadership has emanated from the core institutional management team, faculty boards, etc., or student and staff Unions, or both).  Furthermore, the Program seeks to encourage research that will focus on investigating
how changes in the higher education system and the perceptions of the mission and roles of HEIs are impacting on HE leadership, the types of adaptation that HE leadership has had to make to respond to the challenges associated with globalization and the spread of managerialism in the HE sector?

CODESRIA’s history is inextricably linked to the challenges which the African higher education system have faced  at various stages of its development, and the changing contexts within which different generations
of African scholars have evolved and strived to function. The Programme therefore seeks to deepen scholarly understanding of the nature of, trends in and challenges associated with Higher Education Leadership and
university governance in Africa in the second decade of the 21st Century.

The universities form the core constituency of CODESRIA, and the main site of the bulk of CODESRIA’s research and research training activities. CODESRIA is also one of the few institutions that have been carrying out
social science research on HE in Africa. In the past ten years alone, CODESRIA has launched several national working groups (NWG), and comparative research networks (CRN), as well as a multinational working
group (MWG) on HE. In addition to the Journal of Higher Education in Africa, CODESRIA has published many books on HE and academic freedom. This Programme is therefore informed to a large extent by CODESRIA’s own experience working with the HEIs of Africa, and by the research it has already carried out on the dynamics and challenges facing the HE sector in Africa. These experience and materials have tended to identify governance and leadership as some of the most important issues for African HE in the 21st Century. So, this programme on HE leadership will bring the knowledge on HE and, more specifically, on HE governance and leadership to new and higher levels, both scientifically and from a policy perspective.

Objectives
The objectives of the Higher Education Leadership Programme are:

1) to provide a rigorous historical and social science analysis  on higher education leadership and higher education governance in Africa;
2) to examine the changes  which are occurring , and challenges facing,  HE governance and leadership in Africa in the 21st century;
3) to identify and analyse ways in which  the leadership and governance  of African universities are constituted and  exercised and how leadership is trying to address global, regional and local challenges facing the HE
sector.
4) to elaborate models of university leadership that can ultimately serve as a basis for new policy on the governance of the rapidly expanding higher education sector.

Strategies
The High Education Leadership Programme aims to produce high quality knowledge on HE leadership through 1) comparative research experiences shared across countries, both at the institutional level and at the more
general system level; 2) research teams on HE that are similar to National Working Groups or Comparative Research Networks 3) research grants and fellowships on a competitive basis, 4) case studies; 5) publications of research findings.

Researchers who are interested are requested to send a research proposal (in form of National Working Groups-NWG or Comparative Research Networks-CRN) that highlight clearly the questions they want to address.

** **

NWG are set up to mobilise national-level research capacities and to channel these into autonomous organised reflections on research themes of their choice. They have been an important instrument for promoting research into and publications about different national-level experiences pertinent to the pre-occupations of African scholars active in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The size of an NWG will vary from country to country but on average, most of the groups sponsored by CODESRIA in the past have had between five and seven members. ****

** **

The primary purpose of CRNs is to encourage the development and
consolidation of a comparative analytic perspective in the work of African
social researchers. In so doing, it is hoped to establish a strong corpus
of comparative studies produced by African scholars that could help to
advance theoretical knowledge and discussion. ****

** **

For more information on NWG and CRN see www.codesria.org.

** **

Each proposal should include:-an introduction, a problem statement,  a literature review, the objectives of the study,  the research methodology, the expected results, the outline of the proposed budget and time frame
knowing that the total duration of the study is 18 months from the date of launch. Furthermore, the proposal should include information on the research team, including the coordinator(s) of the group, the bio data of
researchers, their institutional affiliations, and the curriculum vitae of the coordinator and members of the network.

A proposal should not exceed 12 pages (font Times New Roman, size 12, line spacing: single). 

Authors of proposals are requested to pay close attention to the methodology they intend to apply and to demonstrate a good understanding of the leadership and governance challenges facing the HE sector in Africa.
For CRNs, a comparative approach involving scholars from at least two countries out of the six covered by the project (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa) is highly encouraged. The teams are
requested to ensure that they are multidisciplinary in composition, sensitive to gender issues, and accommodative of younger scholars.

Each team will be entitled to organise three meetings/workshops during its lifespan, the first one is a methodological workshop; the second to evaluate the progress of the work, and the third to review draft research reports, and identify policy recommendations, and begin disseminating the results. For indicative purposes, the   budget for each group will vary from USD 10,000 to USD 35,000, based on past grants that have been awarded by CODESRIA under similar programmes. Similarly, although no specific format is required for the presentation of the budget, authors are requested to note that resources will be allocated by the Council to cover the following costs:

i)     A methodological workshop for the members of the NWG/CRN;
ii)    A mid-term review workshop on the progress of the research; 
iii)   The field work to be undertaken by the members of the network;
iv)   Books to be purchased for the research;
v)    The honorarium to be paid to the members of the research network for the work undertaken.
vi)   A final workshop

For this call for proposals, CODESRIA will be open to receive proposals up to 15th September 2012. Notification of the result of the selection committee will be done by 30th September 2012. Proposals (Electronic version) for the constitution of NWGs or CRNs should be sent to:

Higher Education Research Leadership Programme (HELP)
CODESRIA,
BP 3304, CP 18524
Dakar, Senegal.
Tel: +221-33 825 98 22/23
Fax:+221-33 824 12 89
E-mail: help@codesria.sn
Web Site: http://:www.codesria.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CODESRIA/181817969495
Twitter: http://twitter.com/codesria

NB: In addition to the CVs of the team members required, the identification sheet (Please see Attachments Below) for the updated database of the Council should be filled and sent along with the proposal .The applicants should clearly indicate on the outer page of the proposal if they are submitting for NWG or CRN, with the
designated group or network coordinator(s) identified. Incomplete proposals and those sent outside the deadline will not be considered.

 

Mark Wamai

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Charting The Course for Tomorrow; Makerere University Unveils its Strategic Plan 2026-2030

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July 23, 2026

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By Murungi Gloria N.

Building a century of excellence, Makerere University Strategic Plan 2026-2030 lays a clear roadmap to strengthen research, innovation, transformative education as well as national and global development over the next five years.

Makerere University launches the strategic plan 2025-2030 central(c)Hon. Henry Musasizi, left(L) Mrs. Lorna Magara, second right Guild President Makerere University, third right Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe.

On Thursday 2nd July 2026, at Makerere Main Campus, the launching event gathered government leaders, development partners, university leaders and dignitaries such the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representative of the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority as well as the University Vice Chancellor. Makerere launched its strategic plan under the theme; ‘Optimizing the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation.’

Preparing the strategic plan

‘Preparing this plan has been a process,’ the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Herny Alinaitwe said. He emphasized that the strategic plan was developed through careful consultation, review and participation rather than being created in isolation. The previous Makerere University plan used to have long term of 10years. However, around 2019-2020 the National Planning Authority advised to adjust to the five years of National Development Plan (NDP IV) ensuring that the University contributes directly to the country’s development.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe

Accelerating to national transformation

The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, began his speech by reaffirming University’s long-term vision. ‘Our vision is to be an outstanding leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.’ He added the Makerere’s mission is to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.

He emphasised that the new strategic plan is designed to transform Makerere into a research-led University and for this to happen we need to have more than 419 professors and 473 associate professors. Currently the university has 73 professors and 144 associate professors.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

‘We are not removing undergraduate programmes but we want to reduce them gradually and increase graduate numbers because those are the ones going to do the innovations and transform the economy,’ continued Prof. Nawangwe. He stressed the postgraduate students play a crucial role in research and innovation and increasing postgraduates from 10% to 16.1% enrolment is therefore central to achieving the University’s vison of becoming a leading research institution.

He said, ‘Makerere University continues to contribute its fair share to transforming human capital in the country and economic development.’ He thanked and encouraged the government and other partners to further increase the goodwill towards the institution.

‘Today marks not the end of the process but the beginning of an even greater responsibility it’s successful implementation,’ noted the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara. reminded stakeholders that the launch is only the first step and its success will depend on faithful implementation.

She highlighted the central roles of higher education, research and innovation in Uganda’s economic transformation. ‘Let us therefore move with courage, lead with integrity, purse excellence without compromise and together we will build a much stronger Makerere for a stronger Uganda.’

 Transformation objectives

Prof. Nawangwe and the chairperson University Council Mrs. Lorna presented possible targets in the strategic plan, among them increasing PhD student enrolment from 15% to 35%, registered patents from 15 to 45, commercialised innovations from 25 to 65, STEM enrolment from 32% to 55%, postgraduate enrolment from 3700 to 7000 by 2030 and raise graduate employability from 45% to 65%within six months of graduation.

Mrs. Lorna Magara

Government commitment to the strategic plan

Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi launched the strategic plan 2025-2030 describing it as a timely and forward-looking roadmap that aligns with Uganda’s vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Hon. Henry Musasizi

‘This Strategic plan comes at an important time as the country works to grow its economy from about USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040.’

 The Chief Guest, Hon. Herny Musasizi noted that Uganda’s ambition to expand its economy from approximately USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040 will require sustained investment in research, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development, with universities playing a central role in achieving these aspirations.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue working with Makerere University to build a growing income, industrialised and knowledge driven economy while stressing accountability, innovation and the need to apply research in solving Uganda’s development hardships. He also commended Makerere for aligning its strategic priorities with national development goals, explaining that such alignment would facilitate government support and resource allocation through the national budgeting process.

Leading to national economic transformation through universities

Reflecting on the central role of higher education in Uganda’s economic transformation, Samuel Kasule, the Senior Planner for Education and Skills, National Planning Authority appreciated Makerere roles.

Samuel Kasule

‘At the cornerstone of increased labour productivity is the role of universities especially in supporting the high impact sectors identified in the tenfold growth strategy,’ Mr. Kasule remarked.

He elaborated that universities are expected to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to drive innovation across sectors such as minerals, oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism and agriculture. He also argued the by producing highly skilled human capital as well as fostering innovation institutions like Makerere University will play a pivotal role in increasing labour production and accelerate economic growth achieving Uganda’s ambition of becoming a USD500 billion from USD50 billion under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Conclusion

Guided by its strategies direction of excellence, accountability, professionalism, integrity and respect together with inclusivity, the University has reinforced its commitment to advancing quality education, research and innovation. The launch of strategic plan 2025-2030 reflects this commitment by positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development and transformation, consistent with national priorities.

Gloria Murungi

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Gulu University Benchmarks Makerere University’s Management of Mature Age Entry Examinations

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July 22, 2026

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Staff from the Office of the Academic Registrar with the delegation from Gulu University at the Senate Building on 21st July 2026.

By Ochwo Gerald

The Office of the Academic Registrar on Tuesday 21st July, 2026, hosted a delegation from Gulu University on a benchmarking visit aimed at learning from Makerere University‘s long-standing experience in the administration and management of Mature Age Entry Examinations.

The Gulu University delegation was led by Dr. Helen Christine Amongin and included: Dr. Simon Peter Alarakol, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Emmanuel Okurut, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law; and Mr. Paul Oboke, Principal Assistant Academic Registrar (Admissions).

The delegation was received on behalf of the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, by Mr. Thomas William Baguma, Principal Registrar and Personal Assistant to the Academic Registrar. Also present were Mr. Simon Musoke, Head of Mature Age Examinations; Mr. Ochwo Gerald, Liaison and Communications Officer; Ms. Ssozi Priscila, Ag. Head of the Transcripts Section; and Ms. Assumpta Tushabirane from the Ceremonies and Certificates Section.

The Mature Age Scheme promotes inclusivity by catering for candidates who can meet admission requirements but are not be eligible to apply under the Direct Entry Scheme. To be eligible for Makerere’s Mature Age Entry Examinations, candidates must be at least 25 years old before 1st August of the year the exam is offered. The Scheme is open to Ugandans, East Africans and International applicants.

Ochwo Gerald is the Communications & Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University

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MakCHS Holds QA Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum

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July 21, 2026

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Seated L-R: Dr Kalidi Rajab, Dr. Besigye Innocent, Dr. Dorothy Kyagaba & Dr. Ssenkusu Peter with the participants on 19th June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.

College of Health Sciences Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel.

 Pedagogy, Assessment and Supervision Training Workshop

The College of Health Sciences has embarked on the journey to improve the teaching, assessment and preparation for the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.

The training was held on 18-19 June 2026, at Esella Hotel, Kira, the training targeted the teaching assistants, lecturers’ senior lecturers’ key administrators and some PhD fellows, generally the early career academic staff that are yet growing in the ranks.

Seated L-R: Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, Prof Grace Ndeezi, Prof Idro Richard and Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende with the participants at Esella Country Hotel. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Seated L-R: Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, Prof Grace Ndeezi, Prof Idro Richard and Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende with the participants at Esella Country Hotel.

Objectives

  • Equip participants with modern pedagogical approaches for effective teaching and learning.
  • Review and harmonize assessment strategies to ensure quality and fairness in academic evaluation.
  • Enhance supervisory competencies for guiding graduate students in research and academic progress.
  • Foster collaboration and shared experiences among facilitators, supervisors, and administrators.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu facilitating at the Pedagoggy and Assessment workshop on 18 June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu facilitating at the Pedagoggy and Assessment workshop on 18 June 2026.

The key focus areas for the training

  • Guidelines in Assessment & Course Outlines- Dr. Cyprian Misinde -Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
  • Competence Based Education and Assessment- Dr. Mike Kagawa
  • Advancing continuous improvement in teaching, learning through teaching styles -Dr. Ssebowa Dorothy.
  • Teaching methods Knowledge production and acquisition- Dr. Peter Ssenkusu
  • Graduate Supervision Challenges and Opportunities- Prof. Grace Ndeezi.
  • Competence Based Curriculum in line with the NCHE- Dr. Innocent Besigye.
  • Feedback mechanisms in training- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende.
Dr. Mike Kagawa, facilitating at the Workshop on 18 June at Esella Country Resort Hotel. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Mike Kagawa, facilitating at the Workshop on 18 June at Esella Country Resort Hotel.

Key Outcomes for this training

  • The participants gained the understanding of learner-centered teaching approaches and pedagogical principles.
  • Acquired new skills supervisory skills, particularly in guiding research and addressing student challenges.
  • Consensus on adopting standardized assessment tools across graduate programmes.
  • Practical exposure to teaching models and interactive learning methods.
  • Development of action plans for continuous professional development in pedagogy and supervision.
  • The participants also acquired more skills in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education.
Dr. Innocent Besigye presenting the processes for curriculum review on 19 June 2026. Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel, Waksio, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Innocent Besigye presenting the processes for curriculum review on 19 June 2026.

During the Discussion Key important Questions emerged as follows:

  1. Who supervises the supervisor?
  2. What is the difference between notion hours and contact hours?
  3. The 60/40 way of assessments—can it be independent for every course unit taught or allocated differently?
  4. How do we manage difficult supervisors?
  5. How do we Coerce PhD students to be fully involved in departmental activities without them feeling Coerced?
  6. How much time do we need to prepare for the review of the programmes in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO)?

We truly thank the facilitators and the participants who made this training very informative and enlightened.  We also appreciate the Principal/Deputy CHS, the Chief QA Officer, Makerere University and the University Management for the enormous support and for making this activity possible.

Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
Quality Assurance 0ffice
College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University

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