On 25th August 2014, a delegation from Azad University, Iran led by Prof. Mhamed Kiani, visited Makerere University and paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor. Accompanied by Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iran-H.E. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Kisule and Mr. Akbar Tohidlou, Cultural Counsellor for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kampala, the delegation’s discussions ended on a fruitful note with both parties agreeing to enter into a mutual relationship to share research, knowledge and skills so as to extend their contributions internationally.

Meeting in the Office of the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, the parties agreed to first sign a general Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and thereafter clearly define their relationship through discipline-specific agreements. It is envisaged that the MoU between Azad and Makerere will play witness to collaborations in the areas of; Staff and Student exchanges, Research partnerships and Curriculum development.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu welcomed Azad University’s initiative to seek partnership with Makerere University, noting that this would contribute to the a fulfillment of Makerere University’s core functions.

“One of the core functions of Makerere University is Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking. So far we have one partnership in Iran with Al-Zahra University therefore it will be a great pleasure to collaborate with you,” remarked the Vice Chancellor, in reference to an MoU signed with Al-Zahra University Tehran-Iran 30th June 2014.

According to Prof. Mhamed Kiani, President of Isfahan, Azad University,  the University is willing to offer short courses in dentistry to Students of Makerere University during the collaboration.

“As one of the attractive and expanding issue in the world, we have decided to create short courses for the dentists. We offer these courses from the basic, advanced and complex level  involving both theory and practical lessons to help students acquire knowledge and skills in dental surgery,” he remarked.

The Islamic Azad University was founded in 1982 and established by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, currently has an enrollment of 1.5 million students, making it the world’s third largest. Azad University has over 100 branches across the country and has also extended to other countries like United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Tanzania, Lebanon and Armenia. The University also has plans to establish more branch campuses in Malaysia, Canada, Afghanistan and Tajikistan in the near future. Azan University is the only university offering a Bachelor’s degree in Kiswahili in Iran.

Article By Nabatte Prossy, Intern, Public Relations Office