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Call for Applications: Government Sponsorship -Diploma Holders 2019/20 Academic Year

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Diploma Holders only for admission under the Government Sponsorship Scheme (not exceeding 5% of the intake capacity) to the University Degree Programmes for the 2019/2020 Academic year listed below.
Each applicant should possess at least a Credit or Second Class or equivalent Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised Institution plus a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 Passes (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least One Principal Pass and Two Subsidiary Passes obtained at the same sitting (or its
equivalent). Please note that the Principal subjects required for admission to Diploma must be passed at Principal or Subsidiary levels.

A non refundable application fee of Shs.50,000/ = (Fifty thousand shillings only) plus the Bank Charge should be paid to any Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank (Makerere Branch), Post Bank, Centenary Bank before collecting the application form from the Admissions Office, Room 315 and 316 Level 3, in the Senate Building, Makerere University.
Certified copies of Diploma Transcripts (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions must be attached to the application forms. Incomplete
application forms shall not be processed. Details of the Diplomas required for each programme can be viewed on Undergraduate Admissions Notice Board on Level 3, Senate
Building, Makerere University.

NB: Candidates will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions after admission.

Each applicant should also attach a copy of the Birth Certificate to the application form.

The closing date for returning the completed application forms to the University is Thursday 31st January, 2019.

Candidates are warned against submitting forged academic documents as this will lead to automatic cancellation of admission, revocation of award where applicable and prosecution in the Courts of Law.
Note that:
(i) Candidates whose Ordinary and Advanced level results are of Grades "Y", " Z" "7" and "9" need not apply because they are not eligible for admission, and;
(ii) Candidates who possess 3rd Class or Pass Diplomas need not apply.
 
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES (CHS)
CODE   PROGRAMME
MAM Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
BDS   Bachelor of Dental Surgery
PHA  Bachelor of Pharmacy
BMR  Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography
BEH  Bachelor of Environmental Health Science
BSB  Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
BBI  Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
BYT Bachelor of Cytotechnology
NUR Bachelor of Science in Nursing
BSL Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy
BPT Bachelor of Optometry
 
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (CAES)
AGR Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
FST Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
AGE Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
AGM Bachelor of Agribusiness Management
BAM Bachelor of Science in Land Use and Management
HOT Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
BVS Bachelor of Environmental Science
BAR Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation ,
BMT Bachelor of Science in Meteorology
HUN Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
BOF Bachelor of Science in Forestry
BTH Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
 
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, DESIGN, ART AND TECHNOLOGY (CEDAT)
ARC Bachelor of Architecture
LSG Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying and Geomatics
ELE Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
CIV Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
MEC Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering
STE Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering
SQS Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
SLE Bachelor of Science in Land Economics
SCM Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
CMP Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
FIN Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Arts
 
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (COBAMS)
STA Bachelor of Statistics
BQE Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics
BPS Bachelor of Science in Population Studies
BBS Bachelor of Science in Business Statistics
ECO Bachelor of Arts in Economics
DEC Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics
COE Bachelor of Commerce
ADM Bachelor of Business Administration
 
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (CHUSS)
MUS Bachelor of Arts in Music
BDF Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Film
BCO Bachelor of Community Psychology
BIP Bachelor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
SOC Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration
 
COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES (CONAS)
SCP Bachelor of Science (Physical)
SCB Bachelor of Science (Biological)
SEC Bachelor of Science (Economics)
BIC Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry
BFS Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture
BSP Bachelor of Sports Science
BCB Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology
BPG Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geo-science and Production
BBT Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
 
COLLEGE OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCES (COCIS)
CSC Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
BSW Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
1ST Bachelor of Information Systems and Technology
LIS Bachelor of Library and Information Science
BRA Bachelor of Records and Archives Management
 
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, ANIMAL RESOURCES &. BIOSECURITY (COVAB)
VET Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
WHM Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Health and Management
MLT Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology

BAP Bachelor of Animal Production Technology and Management

 
SCHOOL OF LAW (SOL)
LAW Bachelor of Laws
NB: All applicants for Bachelor of Laws will be required to sit and pass the Pre-entry examinations set by Makerere University. The advert for PreEntry exams will come out in March, 2019.
 
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL (MUBS)
COM Bachelor of Commerce
BBD Bachelor of Business Administration
BIB Bachelor of International Business
BLH Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management
BES Bachelor of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
BBC Bachelor of Business Computing
BIM Bachelor of Office and Information Management
PSM Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management

1. HOW TO APPLY

Application will be online using the new AIMS System after getting a pay reference number using the new AIMS System Number but applicants will have to submit certified copies of their Diploma transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to Office 315 and 316, Level 3 Senate Building after payment of application fees.

2. MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE

1. Applicants should access the Institution's Admissions URL https://admissions.mak.ac.ug

2. Signup using full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid. If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 301 with an affidavit supporting the name change.

3. A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.

4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.

5. To fill a form the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.

6. Obtain a payment advice slip by clicking on "Pay for Form" button

7. Make a payment at any of the following Banks:

(a) Stanbic

(b) Post Bank

(c) Centenary Bank

(d) DFCU Bank

(e) UBA Bank

WARNING

(i) Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people's academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.

(ii) Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar's Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.

(iii) The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agents to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.

Alfred Masikye Namoah
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
DATE: 17th December, 2018

 

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African Universities urged on developing comprehensive safeguarding policies with critical elements of safety & protection

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University presenting a lead paper on “Enhancing Safeguarding at institutions of higher Learning” at the Vice Chancellors’ Forum, a side-event of the 19th RUFORUM AGM held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Right is Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor Nkumba University. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has urged Universities and other institutions of higher learning in Africa to embrace the approach of having comprehensive safeguarding policies where important elements of safety and protection are considered and all the common forms of risk, abuse and harm are emphasized.

This was during the Vice Chancellors’ Forum, one of the high powered side events of the RUFORUM Annual General Meeting that provides significant platforms for Vice Chancellors of all RUFORUM member Universities to engage, discuss, deliberate and guide on how universities, government and development partners can support the RUFORUM vision and mission of becoming a leader in higher agricultural education.

The Vice Chancellors’ Forum 2023  that was held in Yaoundé Cameroon during the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting that proceeded from 28th October- 2nd November 2023 was the most attended ever with over 150 Vice Chancellors from 40 African countries and other parts of the world. The Forum deliberated on emerging and contemporary issues in higher education to strengthen university systems, promote inclusion and enhance the relevance of universities in national and regional development.

Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda, Cameroon giving her welcome speech. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda, Cameroon giving her welcome speech.

In her welcome speech, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda, Cameroon welcomed all Vice chancellors in attendance and acknowledged their strong commitment to the RUFORUM as a Network. She also appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellors in setting the agenda for the network to ensure its competitiveness.

According to her, RUFORUM has come of age but growth across every life’s journey comes along with its own challenges and opportunities.  She therefore thanked all the Vice Chancellors that have committed and continue to clear the membership fees in time on annual basis.  “Your contribution of US$5,000 is what keeps the Secretariat operational,” she said.

Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji drew the attention of the Vice Chancellors to some critical issues such as low institutional burn-out rates of grant funding, the terrible completion rate of graduate students across the network, curriculum reviews that do not incorporate innovative academic programmes and policies that do not respond to global discourses. Noting that such issues have posed serious barriers achieving the network’s objectives.

Prof. Openjuru L. George, the Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University (Right) with some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Openjuru L. George, the Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University (Right) with some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum.

She urged all universities to collectively support the RUFORUM Secretariat during resource mobilization. “It is important to note that RUFORUM Secretariat is not a donor as many of the members might perceive it. Rather, RUFORUM Secretariat works with all of us to raise resources that can either be sub-granted and/or directly disbursed by the funding agency to each of the universities that is participating. The Secretariat can support the universities efforts in training and ideation processes as well as brokering partnerships with ease. However, we need to ensure that we are all cooperative,” She stated. Presenting a lead paper titled, Enhancing Safeguarding at institutions of higher Learning, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University  is committed to being a professionally governed, equitable, inclusive and gender mainstreamed institution. In line with this commitment, Makerere University has cited the need to have a comprehensive safe guarding policy that is intentional in ensuring that important elements of safety and protection are considered and all the common forms of risk, abuse and harm are emphasized.

According to Prof. Nawangwe, over the years Makerere University has built a record of governing and administrative policies and frameworks such as the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, Makerere University Gender Equity Policy, the Student Accommodation Policy, the Risk Management Plan, the  Policy on Persons with Disabilities, the Human Resources Manual as amended, Information and Communication Technology Policy  which addresses issues of cyber security  and abuse and the Open Distance and E-learning Policy. However, these do not adequately and comprehensively address the key elements of safety and protection.

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (Right) and Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University (Left) attending the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (Right) and Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University (Left) attending the 2023 Forum.

“These policies only feature identification and prevention as elements of safeguarding hence guidance on the report procedures are least provided for. They much highlight emotional risk and harm and neglect cyber security threats, financial exploitation, limitation of academic freedoms for staff and students,” he said.  

“All in all, the policies lack some of the internationally considered forms of risk, abuse and harm.  In Africa, we are the second recipients of refugees in the whole world, but we lack anything about protecting refugees in our policies and some of the policies do not have the strategic plans to address any form of risk, abuse and harm,” he added.

He mentioned that the COVID 19 pandemic escalated the issue of mental health with so many cases of mental illnesses globally, an indicator that  it is only in a safe and protected environment that people are mentally healthy to be fully creative and innovative.

The Vice Chancellors Forum 2023 also deliberated on topics such as exploring mechanisms for integrating universities into national and regional innovation systems and aligning African agricultural higher education to the future-of-work on the continent and globally.

Prof. Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University attending the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Prof. Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University attending the 2023 Forum.

Presenting on behalf of Prof. Bonang Mohale, Chancellor, University of Free State, South Africa, Agnes W. Mwang’ombe, a Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology- Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection- University of Free State said that university education has become  very competitive  yet it is crucial for universities  to remain ahead and relevant to their clients  and other stakeholders  through inclusive virtual modes that have set in  new dimensions  such as in-house pool of talent that in most cases await to be tapped.  She mentioned that it is high time for Universities to shun away from the rampant blame games of how African graduates are not ready to tackle community challenges and focus on revamping, modifying and creating new systems of conducting research. 

“As universities, we are expected to produce relevant information, knowledge, technologies, and innovations to fulfill aspirations; develop mechanisms to tap on human resource and mobilize research funds for the university. There is need for actual retooling of academic staff to  be able  to harness the various  competences and skills  represented in the universities  including students through  building alliances  and effective  teams to grant calls with wider society impact,” she said.  

In the context of food and nutrition insecurity, Prof. Mwang’ombe noted that the  changing climate  has dwindled natural resources  and increased  social  and economic inequalities hence raising  concerns for more health  food systems and eco-system services. She therefore called for collective efforts towards building resilience for sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment of those most affected by climate change through   bio diversity restoration using natural based solutions.

Some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum. 19th RUFORUM AGM, Theme: “Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa”, 28th October-2nd November 2023 Vice Chancellors' Forum side-event, Palais de Congrès, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Africa.
Some of the Vice Chancellors that attended the 2023 Forum.

“Food and nutrition is constrained by many factors including the heavy reliance on very few staple crops yet Africa has the diversity of crops some of which can handle some of the current situations,” she noted.

Painting a picture of the Future of Work for a competitive Africa, Prof. Peter Kamwi Matengu, Vice Chancellor, University of Namibia, was concerned about the role of higher education in developing interventions as a mitigating factor towards decreasing jobs in the agricultural sector. According to him, a report published in 2023 by the World Economic Forum recorded 673 million jobs across the globe.  It is however expected that this number will decline by 83 million hence creating a job deficit of about 2%.

“It is not surprising that the field of agriculture which has increasingly been mechanized and automated will lose up to 60% of the jobs. The World Economic Forum report also notes that although the automation in Agriculture will create up to 25% of jobs, it is also expected that 75% of job will be lost in Africa if there is no intervention of up scaling and re scaling. This also means that 44% of the workers whose skills need to be upgraded will face a disruption,” he said.

Prof. Kamwi Matengu called upon universities in Africa to undertake relevant, impactful, responsive research that majorly focus on participation.  “ The kind of research, I am talking about should enable us translate our knowledge into practice  and African education should focus on national self- reliance and train people to be internationally competitive and to be very  aware that we have  the responsibility of the welfare of everyone,”  he emphasized. The Vice Chancellors’ Forum 2023 was moderated by Prof. Roger Tsafack Nanfosso, Vice Chancellor, University of Dschang and Canon Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University.

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The 19th RUFORUM AGM in Yaoundé calls for consolidated efforts towards transforming higher agricultural & tertiary education to contribute to sustainable development & food security in Africa

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Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, representing His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé.

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a consortium of 163 universities in 40 African countries held its 19th Annual General Meeting at the Palais De Congres in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 28th October to 2nd November 2023. The first of its kind in West and Central Africa, the RUFORUM AGM 2023 provided an opportunity for over 600 delegates from Africa and beyond including; Ministers, Development Partners, University leaders, students, private sector leaders; farmers and farmer representatives; emerging and early career researchers as well as other key stakeholders in agriculture and higher education to share experiences and chart a way forward for transforming higher agricultural and tertiary education to contribute to sustainable development in Africa under the theme: Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa.

Officially opened by His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, represented by Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting  in Yaoundé  provided a platform for participants to deliberate on key strategies for transforming higher agricultural and tertiary education to contribute to national, continental and global development as well as building consensus among key stakeholders in agriculture and higher education on the actions required to strengthen the role and/or integration of universities in agricultural and national development processes in line with the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 ‘The Africa We Want’.

Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, viewing some of the posters that were presented by participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, viewing some of the posters that were presented by participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In a speech presented by Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo at the official opening ceremony, His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon stressed RUFORUM’s significant efforts to support the African Union Agenda 2063 when he said, “RUFORUM’s vision 2030, makes the body a significant contributor to transformation of Africa and vehemently seeks to harness the discovery, engagements and learning of  vibrant transformative  universities to catalyze sustainable, inclusive  agricultural  development to feed and create  prosperity for Africa.”

According to him, it is worth indicating that agriculture in Africa should be understood in its broadest sense to include but not limited to animal and crop production, livestock, wild life, fisheries and forestry. Hence RUFORUM’s mission since its inception in 2004, of strengthening the capacities of universities to foster innovation responsive to demands of small holder farmers through the training of higher quality researchers, the output of impact-oriented research and maintenance of collaborative working relations among researchers, farmers, national agricultural research institutions, the Private sector and government is worthy prioritizing.

Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon's State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, receiving the Contemporary painting on behalf His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.
Professor Jacques Fame Ndongo, Cameroon’s State Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, receiving the Contemporary painting on behalf His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.

He called upon participants to use the meeting forum to change the face and image of the African continent through constructive and fruitful deliberations on agricultural production, food safety research and better health food security. To him the RUFORUM AGM is a bigger opportunity to think and act, make proposals, formulate recommendations and necessary resolutions which if acted on can change the face of the African continent.

“This is the turning point for the African continent to think big and have the courage to dream big. This is our opportunity to make a difference in our world. This is the opportunity Africa needed to change the target of its demand of action.  We have to mutualize and federate our actions and voices in the interest of a united, strong and prosperous Africa,” he said.

The contemporary painting presented to His Excellence Paul Biya, President of the United Republic of Cameroon by RUFORUM in recognition of his outstanding, selfless and patriotic services s to the people of Cameroon and Africa at large. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The contemporary painting presented to His Excellence Paul Biya, President of the United Republic of Cameroon by RUFORUM in recognition of his outstanding, selfless and patriotic services s to the people of Cameroon and Africa at large.

The 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting carried a unique vibrant turn as being the first to be held in West and Central Africa. The weeklong event broke the record as the most and well attended ever with over 600 participants across the region as well as international delegates. The colorful event was embroiled  with informative, constructive, edutainment activities in form of pre-AGM events, side events, Business Meetings, capacity building and mentoring sessions, scientific conferences, poster sessions and exhibitions well aligned to key thematic areas as well as the AGM theme: Transforming Higher Education to Sustainably Feed and Create Prosperity for Africa.

Additionally, high-level policy dialogues with Ministers, Senior Government Leaders and Development Partners were held to review the finance and other resource mobilization strategies as well as following up on the actualization of the available national, regional and global policies geared towards higher education transformation and ensuring of food security in Africa. 

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, the RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda thanked His Excellence Paul Biya and the Government of Cameroon for accepting to host the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting and equally appreciated the financial support towards the same cause.

Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, the RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, the RUFORUM Board Chair and Vice Chancellor University of Bamenda.

In a special way, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji thanked the Ministry of State for Higher education and all the sister ministries of Government of Cameroon that worked hard to see to it that  the 19th RUFORUM AGM is a success. Equally, the Board Chair, extended her sincere gratitude to the people of Cameroon for the warm reception and support.

 “My special tribute goes to the members of AGM 2023 Sub committees. You have indeed done a great job throughout the ten months of organizing this significant event. On behalf of RUFORUM Network, I thank you. To the RUFORUM Secretariat under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Patrick Okwori, accept our immense gratitude for your strong determination and dedication,” she gratefully said.

An exhibitor showcasing her work at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
An exhibitor showcasing her work at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

She recognized the tremendous achievements and developments aligned to RUFORUM’s nineteen years (19) of existence noting that the strong network has wisely selected its priority areas of focus to transform higher education and agricultural sector in Africa as;

  1. Reform the training agenda for Africa to meet the development needs
  2. Entrepreneurship and business incubation  for wealth creation
  3. Research for Development and wealth creation
  4. Partnerships for scale and impact

“As African people, permit me to use the adage of a broom; it is easy to break a single broom piece but when you combine several small brooms together they then make a broom stack that will not be easy to break. The collective power that RUFORUM has put together through 163 universities from across 40 countries bears such strength. The Vice Chancellors gathered here today remain committed to the core values and foundations of the network. To illustrate this Your Excellency, each of the Vice Chancellors meet their own costs of participation.” She happy said. 

Some of the exhibition stalls at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Some of the exhibition stalls at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

In the same spirit the RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori deeply thanked the host Universities that is, University of Bamenda, University of Ngaoundere, University of Dschang, University of Buea and University of Maroua under the strong and able leadership of the RUFORUM Board Chair, Prof. Theresia Nkuo-Akenji for successfully hosting the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting.

He also recognized the Former Vice Chancellor of University of Ngaoundere Prof. Florence Uphie Chinje Melo who heavily supported the AGM preparations. He was astonished with the presence of the Africa Development Bank, MasterCard Foundation, research international communities, RUFORUM for Agricultural Research in Africa, the Africa Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services, sub regional Agricultural organizations such as the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA)  and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF).

“You have all provided support for this engagement, thank you very much. Together we will continue this journey of transforming Africa’s Agricultural and higher education to produce human resources and development solutions that Africa and indeed the world needs,” he said.

The RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The RUFORUM Executive Secretary Prof. Patrick Okori.

Reflecting on the AGM’s theme, Prof. Okori emphasized the need for Africa to become food secure when he said, “Africa must be an equal opportunity creator for the young generation, it must create wealth for its people and provide opportunities for the present and future and these are well summarized in agenda 2063. It is our collective duty therefore to turn these opportunities and actions into investment.”

According to him, the RUFORUM Network remains strong in building capacity and providing the necessary development solutions and opportunities. He noted that Africa generates about 10-12 million job entrants annually but the continent’s economy in its current configuration can only produce 3 million jobs. To him, for Africa to therefore reap from its demographic dividends, there is need to strengthen the paths to demographic transition of keeping young girls in school.

Prof. Okori also mentioned that RUFORUM is currently intensifying its inclusion and diversity targets. From 45%, the network has an ambitious target of at least 70%. “We must slow the rate at which girls give birth when young. It is the only way we are going to benefit from our population dividend,” he said.

Some of the dignitaries at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Some of the dignitaries at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

According to him, the higher degree needs for Africa is pretty dire. The World Bank recommends 10,000 PhDs to Africa.  This can be compared to India whose signal population of 1. 4 billion registers 24000 PhDs a year. The pressure therefore on Africa’s side to intensify graduate training is real.

“Our graduate training in sciences therefore is one of the drivers to achieve this and it is the immense reason as to why in this meeting we have social and development partners. We are launching a journey with the Africa Development Bank that will bring us together as apex organizations in Africa to work together and solve our own challenges. However, as we do all these, we need to celebrate Africa. We should be recognizing and celebrating people who made what Africa is today,” he said.

Africa is informed by a number of important mutually interacting factors that collectively, are affecting the growth and progress of the continent. The economic outlook of the African continent in 2023 by the African Development Bank and other global apex development financial institutions was positive. However, Africa’s economic growth has since then decelerated, and is now projected to be lower than the previously projected rate of 4.1%.

Colorful moment when flags of RUFORUM member states were displayed at 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Colorful moment when flags of RUFORUM member states were displayed at 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Agriculture a key sector, continues to be affected by both natural and human induced factors. It continues to face serious threats from climate. Studies by the United Nation’s Convention to Combat Desertification show that Africa accounts for 44% of severe droughts recorded globally in the last 50 years, causing economic losses of more than USD 70 billion. In 2022, an estimated loss of US$ 8.5 billion in economic damages was experienced due to climate change. Clearly, climate change and weather variability, remains one of the grand challenges of the 21st century for Africa and the World, because it affects key livelihood and strategic areas of emerging economies.

Unemployment facing Africa’s dominant demographic-the youth, raises questions about education, skilling and jobs creation while inclusion and diversity, the underpinning for an equal society, remains challenging. The question then to academia, researchers, development practitioners and policymakers is, “what step must we take right now to address the challenges to our current and future generations?”

“Our resounding response as RUFORUM is in line with what Malcolm X said many years ago, “Education and research for development are the passports to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” said Prof. Partick Okori.

According to the Deputy Minister for Education in Malawi, Her Excellence Mdooko Nancy Chawola who represented the visiting ministers of RUFORUM partner countries, African countries should put in place vibrant resource mobilization mechanisms to collectively finance Africa’s education and support governments that are battling with competitive budgetary demands.

“For the universities to offer solutions for the challenges the continent is facing, there is need to rebuild the curriculum that responds to our current needs and not what we needed yesterday. Our respective countries are grappling with higher levels of unemployment, can investors assist by producing graduates with entrepreneurial skills so that they are able to employ themselves and others. Of course there will be need to put in place support mechanism for such graduates to take over,” she said.

Participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Participants at the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

She equally acknowledged the national regulatory frameworks such as the Malawi Regulation Framework 2063 developed inline with the African Union  Agenda 2063 the Africa we want, in which  the continent aspires to be prosperous by 2063 through various means such as modernizing agricultural for increased production and  productivity there by making people food secure.

She applauded RUFORUM’s efforts towards zero hunger in Africa through its vision 2030. According to Mdooko Nancy Chawola, food security is supposed be prerogative as well highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) that is geared towards ending hunger, attaining food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable development.

In Cameroon, Agriculture and Education have been prioritized as drivers for economic growth and transformation. Through an agricultural flagship program initiated by His Excellence Paul Biya, science programmes and financial services as well as favorable ways of accessing market have been introduced in the country with the aim of transforming agricultural sector into a value added industrialized and integrated system engine of economic growth.

According to Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga- Vice Chancellor, University Buea, the government of Cameroon has resolved to grant its people with education that can help them manage their personal, national and Africa’s present and future economic destiny. In 2022, His excellence Paul Biya endorsed the recruitment process of 2000 lecturers in universities to ensure the quality of higher education in Cameroon.

Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga - Vice Chancellor, University Buea. 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting, 28th October to 2nd November 2023, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga – Vice Chancellor, University Buea.

“Collectively these education reforms and investment actions affordably can transform the people of Cameroon into a strong emerging market. Cameroon carries the highest science female adoptive rate in sub-Saharan Africa at 73%. This is a strong result of government delivery of United Nations SDG 5 of achieving education and build human capital for the country,” he noted.

The Opening Ceremony for the 19th RUFORUM Annual General Meeting unlocked the floor for critical discussions and meetings throughout the week. At the same function, RUFORUM presented a contemporary painting to His Excellence Paul Biya, President of the United Republic of Cameroon in recognition of his outstanding, selfless and patriotic services s to the people of Cameroon and Africa at large.   

On 25th October 2023, the RUFORUM Network equally participated in the Cameroon Higher Education Day, the first of its kind in the country.

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2nd Issue of Mak-Research & Innovations Fund Bulletin

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 Welcome to the 2nd Issue of the Mak-RIF Bulletin. Makerere University has continued to receive funding from the Government of the Republic of Uganda, earmarked to support faculty members to conduct high impact Research and Innovations that contribute to national development.

 In this issue of our Bulletin, we share about how the Mak- RIF Research Agenda and themes highlighted there in are guiding and contributing to our operations, awards made in the past financial years, a highlight of the research achievements, impact to-date, and a flash back to some of the fund activities among others.

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