General
MAK and Tottori University to strengthen Collaboration: New areas in research and collaboration identified
In line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Makerere University (MAK) and Tottori University in 2012, both institutions are undertaking a series of activities aimed at increasing the number of staff and students involved in research and exchange programmes.
Makerere University, which has hosted officials and experts from Tottori University three (3) times, made a reciprocal visit to Tottori University from 29th October to 3rd November 2014, which culminated in the identification of potential areas for further cooperation as listed below:
- The Special program for foreign students in Arid Land Agricultural Sciences to be advertised early enough in November to allow students identify supervisors and submit application documents in time.
- Collaborative research in mushrooms.
- Possible areas of research on the effect of dust on livestock and insects found in arid land farming areas in East Africa; dust on human health; dust from smoke in factories/industries.
- Mechanical engineering students to do practical training/ internship at the Innovations Centre.
- Introduction of Japanese language studies.
During the visit, the Makerere University delegation comprising the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Okello Ogwang, Professor Bernard Bashaasha-Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Mrs. Martha Muwanguzi Ngobi-Head of International Office toured the teaching, learning and research facilities; appreciated the research capacity of Tottori University; and held several meetings and dialogues with the Management, staff and students on the prospects of strengthening the collaboration.
The President of Tottori University, Professor Ryota Teshima welcomed the Makerere University delegation to Tottori University, a medium sized university with 6,000 students specializing in Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine and Regional Sciences. Professor Teshima thanked Makerere University for hosting their first exchange students for one academic year and one graduate student currently. He noted that Tottori University was also hosting one graduate student from Makerere University in the Faculty of Agriculture which has helped to strengthen the relationship between the two universities and hoped to receive more students under the ABE Initiative. He was equally happy to have Dr. Kalemelawa, an alumnus of Makerere University and Tottori University as a member of staff at their University.
Professor Honna Toshimasa, Special advisor to the Tottori University President, Professor Yamamoto, Director of the Global Human Resource Development, Mr. Dagnew Aklog, in charge of exchange students, Professor Ando, Director for the Centre for International Studies and Mr. Takeda participated in the meeting focused on strengthening the relations between both universities.
Professor Teshima also appreciated the cordial relations between Makerere University and Tottori University and informed the Makerere University delegation that plans were under way for a special program of integrating Japanese students into the Ugandan system and culture for three weeks.
“Here, students would be engaged in community service in hospitals and schools as part of their internship programme. Japanese students need a lot of support and understanding when they go to developing countries as they always have difficulties communicating in English,” he said.
On return to Makerere University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) will engage the relevant offices and organs regarding a proposal made during one of the meetings for Japanese students scheduled to study at Makerere University to come during the vacation in June, undertake the intensive language courses in English for three months before the academic year begins in August.
On behalf of Makerere University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Associate Professor Okello Ogwang, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu, emphasized the need for collaborations, student and staff exchange programmes in universities.
“A university worth its salt should look for collaborations all over the globe. The student and staff exchanges are healthy in a globalised world. It is a key component in the internationalization agenda of Makerere University as stipulated in the University’s Strategic Plan,” he said.
In the context of a globalised world, Tottori University receives international visitors who give summit lectures on global issues to students and staff to understand the world beyond their borders.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Associate Professor Okello Ogwang gave a summit lecture on the Education Systems in Africa – A Case of Uganda to both undergraduate and graduate students in the major auditorium. In attendance was the President of Tottori University, Management and members of staff both academic and administrative. Professor Bashaasha made a presentation highlighting research and innovations in the MAK College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as well as potential areas of collaboration. Mrs. Muwanguzi Ngobi also gave a lecture on international collaborations, outgoing and incoming international students, students’ matters concerning immigration details, applications, selection of courses and admission, welfare, safety, security and health matters.
At the end of summit lecture, the President of Tottori University, Professor Ryota Teshima presented a certificate to Makerere University in recognition of her contribution towards the internationalization of Tottori University. Makerere University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Okello Ogwang received the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of institution amidst applause from the congregation.
During a meeting held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Japan at Shibuya, H.E Betty Grace Akech Okullo who participated in earlier discussions to set up an Agro-Technology Park at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute -Kabanyolo by scientists from Tottori University, informed the MAK delegation that she looked forward to more involvement in the processes aimed at strengthening ties between both institutions and Governments.
Reflecting on the six day visit, Mrs. Muwanguzi-Ngobi said that the Makerere University delegation toured facilities that will be very crucial in strengthening research and collaboration.
“Under the exchange programme, the facilities will be used by staff and students in both universities. We toured the Veterinary Medicine Centre, the Fungus/Mushroom Research Centre affiliated to the Faculty of Agriculture; the Arid Land Research Centre-a joint research facility of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; and the Innovations Centre in Engineering Education affiliated to the Faculty of Engineering,” she remarked.
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Article by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
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.
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