General
Mak-Binghamton Explore Collaboration to Strengthen Internationalisation
Published
6 years agoon
As the current 10 year strategic plan nears its end of life in 2019, the Makerere University Management held a three-day Strategic Planning Retreat from 20th to 22nd February, 2018 that embarked on the yearlong process of formulating the next ten year Strategic Plan (2020/21-2029/30). One of the key areas of focus for the new strategic plan is the Internationalisation of academic programmes, collaborations, student admissions as well as faculty recruitment.
On 7th March 2018, Makerere University hosted Prof. Aondover Tarhule, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at Binghamton University; one of the top public research universities in the U.S. Prof. Tarhule’s mission was to explore ways of diversifying Binghamton’s international graduate student population (40%), currently comprised largely (65%) of students from India and China.
Welcoming Prof. Tarhule to Makerere University, the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)-Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, who represented the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo noted the timeliness of this visit, in the wake of commencement of the aforementioned strategic planning process.
“We appreciate you reaching out to us and I must say that your visit fits well within our aspirations for the next ten years, where our key focus is going to be Internationalisation,” remarked Assoc. Prof. Hisali.
He informed Prof. Tarhule that Makerere runs a collegiate system, whose introduction was aimed at combining discipline synergies with intention of boosting the implementation of University core functions, with a particular focus on research. “I therefore encourage you to kindly consider visiting some of our colleges in case your schedule permits” added Assoc. Prof. Hisali.
Starting off his presentation, Prof. Tarhule highlighted that Binghamton is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system comprised of 64 institutions with a combined student population of 400,000. Located in Binghamton where IBM was founded, the city is also home to other high-tech companies such aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, Johnson & Johnson among others. Binghamton is also ranked one of the top six most affordable universities in the world for international students; thanks to subsidies by the New York State.
“Unlike Makerere’s 45,000 students, Binghamton’s student population is only 17,000 with 13,000 of these undergraduate; a population we plan to maintain, but we have room for growth of the graduate student population up to 6,000. The low cost of living in the greater Binghamton area allows our graduate students to enjoy reasonably priced housing in a safe community with free bus transportation to campus. These buses are driven by our students to help them finance their education” said Prof. Tarhule.
Prof. Tarhule further shared that Binghamton has come up with a number of innovation to make education more efficient in the face of changing market demands. One such innovation is the Accelerated Degree Programs, where undergraduate students are admitted well knowing that they will proceed directly to a Masters program in the same discipline. “This means that undergraduate students begin taking graduate courses during their senior years, which has made it easier and cheaper for students to come in” he added.
The second innovation shared by Prof. Tarhule was a refined pedagogy which seeks to produce graduates with T-Shaped skills, who can meet both academia and industry demands. Under the T-Shaped pedagogy, students are take both general education courses (horizontal part of the T), which equip students with a broad range of knowledge, and deep learning courses (vertical part of the T) which seek to ground the student in concepts specific to their discipline.
Prof. Tarhule nevertheless noted that education in the U.S. was also embracing the AGILE pedagogy, characterised by increased oral presentations that necessitate students to think on their feet whenever prompted. “The goal of this kind of training is to build transferable skills within one disciplinary area” he added.
In the reactions that followed, the Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)-Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire sought to understand how the Humanities and Social Sciences can be helped to nurture the new generation of scholars to become experts in their field. “Can our collaboration consider including the aspect of resident scholars to help mentor the young generation of academics?”
Mr. John Bosco Oryema an Assistant Lecturer, CoBAMS noted that the field of Business Analytics is not well developed in the region. He therefore hoped that collaboration with Binghamton would expose students at Makerere to this vibrant sector. He further sought the possibility of introducing joint supervision of graduate students; with US-based and Makerere-based supervisors, a practice, he noted, quickens the process of finalising theses.
Mr. Charles Ssemugabi from School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), sought to find out Prof. Tarhule’s Internationalisation diversification strategy moving forward. “Most partnerships start in the form of research at departmental level, then progress to staff and student exchanges and eventually summer schools” he commented.
Wrapping up the responses, Assoc. Prof. Hisali thanked Prof. Tarhule for his presentation, noting that Makerere indeed had a lot to learn from Binghamton’s innovations. “We need to come up with a broad Memorandum of Understanding at institutional level then work out the specifics at unit level, which can then help us identify issues of support and financing” he concluded.
Prof. Tarhule thanked the staff present for their responses, noting that they had been both “profound and insightful.” He reiterated that his visit was exploratory and it was important for both institutions to identify mutual strengths and complementarities, so as to forge a mutually beneficial collaboration. “Whatever you decide to do, think mutuality; what are you offering? What do you want to get? Think as an equal partner who is seeking to bring something to the table.”
He shared that Binghamton was very strong in the fields of Engineering, Business and Smart Energy. “We are also in the final stages of developing a degree in Data Analytics and so the comment in that direction was timely.” Prof. Tarhule however, urged his audience to look beyond the competences within their individual disciplines to those within the entire University or region, “think of what you can do broadly as a region. Foundations out there will always seek to sponsor programmes that have a broader regional or even continental impact” he advised.
He concurred that mentorship for graduate programmes had been observed to be a major challenge for African Universities. He however hoped that many more students would stand to benefit from programmes such as the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), funded in part by the Carnegie Corporation of New York through which he is personally mentoring three African students as a Diaspora-based professor.
Prof. Tarhule further admitted that whereas training students abroad was expensive, it is essential. He noted that we live in a globalised world where intellectual power is no longer limited by political power and hoped that African institutions would increasingly emulate nations like China and India, who despite having large economic resources, still aggressively take advantage of cost effective models such as joint degree programmes.
“Setting up high-tech labs is a very expensive venture. Therefore summer programmes that expose African students to these high-tech facilities in the U.S. are a win-win, especially as internationalisation increasingly becomes a major contributor to institutional rankings. Therefore, my key message is that we are as much interested in internationalisation as you are. Thank you” concluded Prof. Tarhule.
Please see Downloads for Binghamton presentation
Article by Public Relations Office
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General
Vincent Lubega Nsamba sworn in as Makerere University’s 90th Guild President
Published
2 hours agoon
March 19, 2024By
Mak EditorBy Ritah Namisango
His Excellency Vincent Lubega Nsamba is the 90th Guild President of Makerere University. This follows a swearing-in-ceremony held on Monday 18th March, 2024 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
According to the Chairperson of Makerere University Students Electoral Commission, Mr. Ramadhan Kirunda, the 90th Guild race attracted 16 contestants. On 7 th March 2024, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, emerged the best with 2,540 votes out of the 11,500 cast.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the newly elected members of the Guild Representative Council (GRC) also took oath, including the first batch of six (6) cabinet members. They comprised: Joy Eve Sserunjogi (Vice Guild President), Adroni Rodney Adroni (Prime Minister), Shri Nakaziba (Deputy Prime Minister), Mutumba Robert (Minister for Culture, Mobilization and Social Affairs), Abuk Mary Garang (Minister for International Students’ Affairs), Godfrey Abura (Minister for Security), and Emojung Herman Kasaija (Minister for Student Affairs). The other categories of students’ leaders sworn-in included: leaders representing students with disabilities, Hall Chairpersons, the Games Union, to mention, but a few.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the Guild President and his entire leadership upon winning the trust of the students’ community. Represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), the Vice Chancellor urged the 90th Students’ Guild to always work closely with the University Management to resolve issues.
“When you are facing challenges as students, discuss those issues with the University Management so that together, we can find solutions. The University Management values dialogue. I assure you of the University Management’s support,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor urged the student leaders to always remember their primary goal, which is academic excellence. He re-echoed the guidelines that stipulate that no student with a retake should contest for leadership. He therefore advised the freshly sworn-in student leaders to always balance academics and leadership.
In the same vein, Prof. Alinaitwe commended the Students and the Electoral Commission on the smooth transition of leadership from the 89th to the 90th Students’ Guild. He congratulated the 89 th Guild Government led by H.E. Robert Maseruka and H.E. Mariat Namiiro upon a successful tenure, characterised by dialogue and negotiations with the University Management.
Noting that the Guild President and Vice Guild President become Members of Council, the policy making organ of Makerere University, Prof. Alinaitwe advised the 90th Students’ Guild to uphold decisions of the University Council and ensure that the students’ body understands and appreciates the said decisions.
“If you take part in a meeting where a decision is made, remain consistent and true. Do not turn around when you meet fellow students, and deny that you were not part of the process leading to that decision. The University Council is the supreme governing body of the university. So, when decisions are made by the University Council, always guide your fellow students properly by ensuring that they understand and appreciate the decisions that are passed,” he guided.
In his maiden speech, H.E. Lubega Nsamba exalted God for enabling him to secure the guild presidency and equally thanked everyone who supported him throughout the campaign.
“I can profoundly say that Makerere University Guild Presidents are chosen by God. There have been so many challenges, but it has been God. I thank all of you that have supported me morally, financially, and spiritually throughout this uncertain journey,” he said.
Lubega Nsamba urged his fellow leaders to protect the rights and interests of the students that have entrusted them with the mandate to serve. Acknowledging the good work done by the outgoing 89th Guild Government, Lubega Nsamba pledged to carry on from where they stopped. He pledged to follow up the ongoing renovation of university infrastructure such as Halls of Residence, prioritizing the needs for students with disabilities, as well as creating employment opportunities for students to gain some income and be in position to clear tuition and functional fees on time. He underscored the need to use dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve issues pertaining to students and the University in general.
The Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli acknowledged the outgoing Guild President Robert Maseruka for advocating for the revival of social events especially the freshers’ ball and bazaar. She advised the 90th Students’ Guild to always listen to the voices of fellow students, uphold the values of inclusivity and strive for the betterment of the university.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kabumbuli appreciated Ms. Ruth Eteu Eyoku from the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Directorate of ICT Support Services (DICTS) and Mak Public Relations Office for working with the Dean of Students Department and the Students’ Electoral Commission during the election process.
In his remarks, the 90th Guild President, H.E Robert Maseruka rallied the incoming leadership to serve the students body with all their might. He noted that Makerere University is a breeding ground for national leaders, and the leadership journey that they have embarked on prepares them for so many opportunities.
The Guild Information Minister of the 90th Students’ Guild Government, Hon. Kevin Mugabi who is credited for ensuring a vibrant online presence of the students’ guild on X (@MakGuild) informed the 90th Students’ Guild that there was a lot of work to be done with respect to their service to students.
“Serve the students’ body so that what you leave behind is your legacy.”
Some of the dignitaries who graced the swearing-in-ceremony included: Hon. Frank Kabuye-Member of Parliament for Kassanda South, Dr. Ivan Ssempijja-Guild President Emeritus, Hon. Julius Kateregga- Guild President Emeritus and Member of Makerere University Council, Makerere University Imaam, Dr. Sowed Juma Mayanja who led the opening prayer and Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, and Chaplain-St. Francis Chapel who led the closing prayer.
The occasion was also witnessed by the mother of the Guild President and his family members, Mr. Peter Rivan Muhereza (Principal Warden), Mr. Brian Nsubuga Miiro (Principal Sports Tutor), Ms. Norah Nalubowa (Warden-Mary Stuart Hall), Ms. Ritah Namisango (Principal PRO), Ms. Donah Keirungi (Warden-Complex Hall), Mr. Peter Mwanja (Warden-Warden, University Hall), Mr. Bruce Byamukama (Warden-Livingstone Hall), Mr. Rodney Rugyema (Warden-Nkrumah Hall), students, the media as well as Ms. Ruth Kitamirike, a former student leader who moderated the event.
General
2024 Career Fair Tips Students on how to seize available job opportunities
Published
3 days agoon
March 16, 2024By
Mak EditorBy Bernard Buteera
On Friday 15th March 2024, Makerere University held its Annual Career Fair, an event that brings together students from universities and other tertiary institutions to meet and interact with industry experts to share information about existing career opportunities and the new skills needed by the job market. The 2024 Annual Career Fair was held under the theme; Breaking Barriers to Employment Opportunities, and brought together over 2,000 students from the University and Secondary schools around Kampala.
While presiding over the event that was held at Makerere University Freedom Square, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed the many companies that had come on board to support the University in preparing the young people for transition and career progression.
“On behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and my own behalf, I would like to thank the 20 companies that have partnered with us to support this year’s annual career affair, an event we believe will go a long way in providing career guidance and career mentorship for our students.” He remarked.
Prof. Kakumba highlighted the importance of the Career Fair or Career Mentorship and why students should take advantage of it. He pointed out that career mentorship provides the most lucrative asset in the life of an individual, which is inspiration.
“The idea of a Career Fair or Career interaction is very important because it inspires young people to aspire to achieve more than they ever dreamt. For most people who have excelled in life, it is not because they were the most brilliant in school, it is because of the career mentorship and guidance they received.” Prof Kakumba pointed out.
On his part, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the Career Fair 2024 and Dean School of Computing and Informatics Technology, Dr. Joseph Balikuddembe thanked the University Management for coming up with the Annual Career Fair.
“I would like to thank the University Management under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba in whose docket the Career Fair falls, for the vision and foresight that birthed the Career Fair, a critical event that brings university students and industry partners to interact to break barriers and find purpose,” Dr. Balikuddembe remarked.
Dr. Balikuddembe spelled out the salient objectives of the career fair as being two-fold;
“The first one is creating strong relationships with both national and international organizations that will continuously support university students to get more opportunities for experiential learning through internships, voluntary roles and job placements, and the second one is for the university to offer career guidance to the students to address the fears related to the transition to the world of work and face the world of work with confidence.” Dr. Balikuddembe pointed out.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, thanked other partners who had joined the University and the Scholars Program to make the 2024 Career Fair a bigger and even better event.
“I would like to add my voice to that of the previous speakers and thank the many organizations and companies that have joined us to support and make this year’s annual Career Fair possible, and I call upon more organizations and companies out there to support the young people to transition to the world of work by breaking barriers to employment opportunities.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further thanked the young people who took off time to attend the career fair, a very important designed to help them get information and connections for internship and employment opportunities.
“I would like to thank young people who have made the right decision to be here today, you have stepped away from the crowd that is less informed and less connected in terms of transition.” Prof. Namaalwa further remarked.
The 2024 Annual Career Fair was organized by Makerere University in conjunction with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere with support from 20 organizations, companies, and exhibitors. The organizations and companies that supported the event were The Mastercard Foundation, ABSA Bank, Bank of Africa, Centenary Bank, Coca-Cola, Chinese Communication Construction Company, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University Confucius Institute, Post Bank, Stanbic Bank, Pearl Mariner Investments, Mirembe Villas-Kigo, Good brothers, Star Times, ZTE, Tiang Tang Group among many others.
The event was characterized by several activities such as; onsite graduate and internship placements, interaction with industry experts, panel discussions, exhibitions, and moderate entertainment. The next Career Fair will be held in March 2025.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
General
Mufti Menk urges youth on productivity, social media usage & entrepreneurship
Published
4 days agoon
March 15, 2024By
Mak EditorBy Ritah Namisango
Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk has urged youth to be productive and hardworking even under great hardships.
“Whatever the country will be, depends on the youth. When you are young, ensure that you are productive. I advise you to encourage each other with love, respect and support in order to develop your country. Pray together, play together and work together,” said Mufti Menk.
He stated: “I am here to tell the youth in Uganda to work and develop their communities. You must develop a positive attitude towards work and your country. I advise you to shun any bad habit so that you become responsible citizens. You must shun laziness, idleness and bad habits such as use of drugs, addiction to alcohol and pornography. You must develop good habits. When you disagree with someone, let it be with respect.”
This was during the Mufti Menk Public Lecture held at the Makerere University Rugby Grounds on March 8, 2024. Running under the theme, ‘Muslim Youth and Work Ethics’, the lecture was hosted by the Office of the Makerere University Imaam. He was officially welcomed by Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, in his capacity as the Acting Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Sowed Juma Mayanja, the University Imaam.
Mufti Menk, as he is popularly known, is the grand mufti of Zimbabwe, the head of the fatwa department of the Council of Islamic Scholars of Zimbabwe and a renowned international Muslim scholar and motivational speaker. He holds a degree in Sharia and a doctorate in Social Guidance. His lectures boast a wide audience on YouTube and other social media platforms globally. His lectures and preaching are credited with having converted millions of people to Islam.
Mufti Menk was accompanied by Sheikh Wael Ibrahim from Australia and Dr. Muhammad Salah from Egypt, each of whom was given a preaching session.
Some of the University officials who listened to the lecture include: Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi-Academic Registrar, Mrs Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students, Prof. Abasi Kiyimba-Mak Department of Literature, Dr. Oria Hussein-Chairperson Makerere University Mosque Board, Dr. Muhammed Kiggundu Musoke-Patron (Makerere University Muslim Students Association) MUMSA, Ms Ritah Namisango-Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmed Ssentongo (Imaam Emeritus), to mention but a few.
THE LECTURE
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed Mufti Menk and his delegation to Makerere University-the institution that nurtured and trained great men and women who have contributed to the development of the continent. “It is a great honour to host you to speak to the youth on preaching peace, unity and development.”
Mufti Menk acknowledged Makerere University leadership, staff and students for the warm reception. He applauded Allah for the good weather, the green and trees at Makerere University, and for all the good that Allah, bestowed upon Uganda, a beautiful country with hardworking people, organic foods such as very sweet bananas as well as delicious pineapples. He affirmed that Uganda is indeed the pearl of Africa.
In his youth-centred lecture, he rallied the youth to be the torch bearers including the realization that they have a great responsibility to determine the destiny of Uganda. He explained that this starts with the youth recognizing this calling, working towards developing a positive attitude, believing that they can make a positive difference, shunning bad habits, and committing to being responsible citizens.
“To the youth and everyone here, I encourage you to build yourself. No one is going to build you up, if you do not,” he remarked, before adding “You are young, the future is in your hands, if you do the right things, the future will be bright.”
He reminded the youth to avoid words of hate for they bring about destruction. “Watch your words, watch your mouth. If you do not agree with someone, disagree with respect.”
Aware of the existence of a number of religious groups, Mufti Menk acknowledged this diversity and offered a message of living in harmony with one another. “Be careful about how you disagree with people from another faith. If we disagree, it should be with respect.”
To the youth from poor backgrounds, Mufti Menk provided a message of hope and encouragement pointing out that many people from such backgrounds have succeeded in life. “Even if you come from a poor background, you can achieve. I encourage you to work hard, keep trying, never give up, and you will achieve.”
Tackling leadership, Mufti Menk guided that true leadership is heavily anchored in solving problems, and not fleeing from them. “Differences between us are normal, but differences can make us or break us depending on how we handle them. Those who aim to solve the problems and conflicts in the family, the Ummah or the country are the true leaders.”
Mufti Menk said the youth should be agitated if they lose connection with Allah. He advised youth to target their efforts and love towards Allah, above anyone and anything else, and to avoid doing things that displease Allah and compromise their relationship with Allah. He called upon the youth to uphold the importance of prayer. “Whatever you do, ask for Allah’s guidance. Do not ever get prayer out of your life.”
He implored the youth to use social media constructively such as learning, doing business and job creation, instead of gossip, hate speech, pornography, addiction and general idleness. “Take the example of TikTok; the bad side of TikTok is spreading faster than the good side. So, I urge you, when you see a good and useful message on TikTok, do not just read it and flip on; instead, like it and forward it to many people so that the good messages can outnumber the bad ones.”
The Mufti cautioned the youth against disrespecting people they may not agree with. “Even in Islam, there are many sects, but they are all part of the Ummah, and should be accommodated. Everyone makes mistakes. Even married couples or siblings disagree. Therefore, you should learn to live with diverse people in the Ummah or in your country. You should emulate Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who would painstakingly speak to people in the wrong, to win them over and expand the Ummah,” he counseled.
Mufti Menk urged youth to fight bad habits, especially addictions such as pornography, substance abuse, adultery, hate speech and gossip. He advised them to be on the guard to resist temptations that arise from the various media in our hypersexual age. To achieve this, he said, youth need to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.
“Do not be shy; look for help whenever you are in problems of addiction. Be careful and selective because the media promotes a lot of bad desires and behaviours. Care for and help one another. None of you is useless, but you must realize this fact yourself. Drop the negative attitude, and adopt a positive attitude towards different situations and relationships.”
On entrepreneurship, Mufti Menk shared his belief that it provides a solution to lack of jobs and unemployment of the youth. “There is a blessing in entrepreneurship. Sometimes Allah has chosen you for business /entrepreneurship,” he highlighted.
He appealed to the youth to continue searching for jobs. “Don’t give up looking for jobs, scarce as they may be. But, in the meantime, buy something and sell it, do some entrepreneurship. Avoid complaining, and never give up! However intelligent you may be, never stop praying to and trusting in Allah! Never take prayer out of the equation! Also, help those more challenged or vulnerable than you, such as orphans, widows, persons with disabilities or the unemployed.”
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Other activities of the day included Qur’anic recitation by a male student, three preaching sessions, Jummah prayers and Asr prayers.
Being the International Women’s Day, the preaching during the Jummah prayers focused on the fact that Islam gave a lot of rights to women such as inheritance of property. However, the preacher stressed that according to Allah, obligations are more important than rights for every human being.
On March 9, the Mufti attended a religious and interactive cooperation dinner at Serena Kampala hotel for charity causes, where a ticket cost Shs 150,000 for individual person and Shs 5 million for a table.
The organizers of the Mufti’s visit to Uganda said they had invited all Imaams of the 15,000 mosques in the country and all district khadis to the activities of both days.
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