General
Mak-Bergen sign Decade-long Agreement
Makerere University has signed a Frame Agreement to extend the cooperation with University of Bergen, UiB, for a period of ten years. The Agreement, signed on 30th Sept. 2014, will see the two universities partner in joint research and teaching; exchange of staff and graduate students, and exchange of information and publications.
The initial frame agreement between the two universities was signed in 1999 for 15 years, and was set to expire this November. This Frame Agreement was the longest single North-South Institutional Agreement that both Universities have ever signed.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu was grateful to University of Bergen for renewing the fruitful collaboration to strengthen critical areas. “We would like to strengthen the relationship in the areas of students and staff exchange that should go hand in hand with research collaboration, curriculum development, joint degree awards, and institutional capacity strengthening in human resources, administrative and financial management systems, Library resources, and research grants management capabilities in the context of the greater number of research programmes,” he said. He assured University of Bergen of Makerere University‘s commitment to the renewed Frame Agreement, which he referred to as a sign of consolidating the mutual friendship and ensuring greater internationalization of the two universities.
The Rector of University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen, pointed out that the long life span of the collaboration is healthy for enabling research. “In research there are no quick wins. We have to invest over a long period of time. We would like to develop global citizens. Our task is to prepare students to work anywhere in the world,” he said.
The Coordinator of Mak UiB collaboration at Makerere University, who is also the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Edward Kirumira, emphasized that the two universities will collaborate for as long as they still want to collaborate. “We are hoping that this collaboration expands into serving the region and we are already discussing this possibility. As a collaboration office, we commit to provide support to the members coming through and we would like to see more of the staff exchanges. We hope this collaboration will set the pace for both institutions to reflect on the slogan of our strategic plan to reposition Makerere University to meet the development challenges,” he asserted.
Since the start of the collaboration, Makerere University has benefitted through exchange visits between researchers and administrators, over 160 Ugandan students have studied at the University of Bergen for their post-graduate courses including MPhil and PhD, and 6 NUFU projects. In January 2012, Makerere University launched the Seismic laboratory and received equipment as part of the Geosciences collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Bergen. This collaboration is supporting the MSc programme in Petroleum Geoscience, under the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. Makerere University also coordinated six NORHED Projects collaborating with University of Bergen plus a 7th one coordinated at Khartoum University but also involving Makerere and Bergen.
The Director Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza emphasized that such collaborations are critical in advancing Makerere University‘s research agenda. “Partnering with a superior institution has enormous multiplier effects. We are grateful to the people and Government of Norway for the support. We hope to get spin offs because a collaboration like this, is an asset. As a Directorate, such agreements help us in fulfilling our mandate,” he said.
Prof. Thorkild Tylleskar, the Coordinator at UiB observed that Makerere University is a worthwhile partner. “One of our strategic focuses is on the global South in terms of development. We need as much knowledge as possible for our students in this collaboration. Some of the institutions in Africa are really weak. Many are new and this may cause problems in collaboration. But Makerere University is a comfort zone. It has all the necessary ingredients for a well functioning institution and from here we can invite other younger universities into the collaboration,” he said.
Giving the vote of thanks, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, the first Coordinator of the collaboration in Makerere University, commended the partnership, which he said started as a dream he shared with a colleague-Andreas Steigen at the University of Bergen. He was grateful that the collaboration has stood the test of time and was optimistic that its fruits will have lasting impact.
By Marion Alina
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges Makerere University community to support the Mastercard Foundation E-learning Initiative
By Bernard Buteera
Makerere University has launched a two million dollar E-learning Project, dubbed The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program E-learning initiative.
The launch was held on Tuesday 20th September 2022 at Makerere University, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. It attracted over 200 participants, who included members of University Management, College Principals, School Deans, Academic and Administrative staff, students and the general university community.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), congratulated Makerere University for winning such a huge grant, which will go a long way in transforming the eLearning infrastructure at Makerere University.
“I am happy to be joining you in launching a project that is at the heart of National Council for Higher Education. Online learning is at the heart of the Council, not only because of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also the world is now a digital world.” Prof. Okwakol remarked.
Prof. Okwakol thanked Mastercard Foundation and other development partners who have continued to support initiatives that help transform higher institutions of learning in Uganda.
“I sincerely thank the Mastercard Foundation and other partners who have continued to support higher education in Uganda, especially in the area of research and online learning. Globally, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, greatly disrupted education systems forcing learners and some schools to shift to virtual learning to curb the spread of the pandemic.” Prof. Okwakol pointed out.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged the university community, especially the academic staff to take advantage of the Mastercard Foundation E-learning initiative to develop e-content across all Colleges of the University, to enhance capacity for eLearning at Makerere University.
”I appeal to the Colleges to embrace this project and have as many courses adopt this pedagogy development system, even though students will continue with face-to face and phyisical learning, they should be allowed the option of online learning. The platforms that are going to be built, will give our students an opportunity to interact with international students, scholars, teachers and with each other.” Prof. Nawangwe applealed.
The Vice Chancellor, further called upon all other development partners to emulate Mastercard Foundation in supporting Makerere University and other universities on the entire African continent in strengthening digital literacy, so that Africa is not left behind.
”In 2018 I attended a conference on E-learning in Beijing China, where a critical question was asked; Will Africa be left behind again? This was in reference to many advancements that were taking place in the western world, in which Africa had been left behind.” The Vice Chancellor reminded the audience.
Prof. Nawangwe further emphaised the importance of e-learning as one of the critical modes of teaching and learning in the 21st first century.
”Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot over emphasise the importance we attach to e-learning the 21st Century, that is why we took a decision to elevate the Department of Open and Distance Learning into an Institute of Open and Distance E-learning with an intention of having e-learning extended to other Colleges of the university.” Prof. Nawangwe pointed out.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the E-learning Initiative, Prof. Umar Kakumba, rallied the University community to support the implementation of the project in the University.
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program E-learning initiative could not have come in at a better time than post COVID19 era. A pandemic, which exposed our systems and methods of teaching and learning. You all recall, when were hit by the pandemic, with lockdowns and closures of institutions of learning, we all went into a panicky mode on how were going to cope with online learning. I therefore call upon every member of the university to give this project the support it deserves.
Prof. Kakumba reminded the audience the importance and relevancy of online learning at Makerere University and other universities in Uganda.
“The online method of learning is best suited for everyone. This digital revolution has led to remarkable changes in how the content is accessed, consumed, discussed, and shared. Office goers and stay home mothers can take up online educational courses too, at the time that suits them. Depending on their availability and comfort, many people choose to learn at weekends or evenings.” Prof. Kakumba remarked.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation E-learning Initiative, informed the audience the importance of the project and the expected outcomes for the University.
“The Mastercard Foundation e- Learning Initiative is a Project funded by Mastercard Foundation aimed at addressing the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic that constrained access and continuity of teaching, learning, research and community engagement activities at Makerere University” Prof. Muyinda pointed out.
Prof. Muyinda further thanked the team that he worked with in putting up the proposal in a very short time that yielded such an important grant for the University.
“I thank the team that spent sleepless nights putting together the proposal that resulted into this project. I must report that Makerere University is privileged to be having the most highly qualified persons in online instruction design and online pedagogy at the IODeL and beyond. It is now up to Makerere University in particular and the Country in general to make use of these persons to transform the terrain of online, blended distance and e-learning education.” Prof. Muyinda remarked.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, informed the audience, that the E-learning initiative was one of the many partnerships between Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University geared at supporting the young people to succeed on the African continent.
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program continues to recognize that in order to enable young people across Africa to succeed, there is need to; Address systemic barriers in Higher education, Strengthen the capacity of Institutions that serve the Young People, and Support innovative solutions across critical sectors.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The colourful launch ended with a panel discussion in which panelists digested the importance and opportunities for open distance and eLearning in higher institutions of learning.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
-
General6 days agoGovernment Sponsorship Admissions Lists 2022/2023
-
General5 days agoMak Private Sponsorship Undergraduate Admission Lists 2022/23
-
General5 days agoMature Age Entry Scheme Admissions List 2022/2023
-
General5 days agoApplication for Mature Age Entry Admission 2023/2024
-
General3 days agoSupplementary Admissions to Bachelor of Laws Under Private Sponsorship 2022/23