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RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 05 – Dr. Egeru Anthony

Published

3 years ago

February 25, 2022

Mark Wamai

RUFORUM Triennial Thought Pieces: ISSUE 05 by Dr. Egeru Anthony, Manager for Training and Community Development - RUFORUM.

Today’s Investments in Science, Technology and Innovation driven Higher Education will define Africa’s success in 2063

A new narrative has been crafted about Africa, “the land of opportunity defining the future of the world”. Africa is now at its transitions from ‘a problem to be solved to a voice to be heard1’ in the international and global conversations. In a twinkle, everything seems to be positive on the several streets, board rooms and international conferences. Are the Africans in these spaces seeing the same patterns at local level or have ‘curtain blinders’ with ‘colourful’ windows for African elites to commence another century of praises. It is now 58 years since the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union was formed by the African Heads of State. Primarily, the OAU was a political outfit for independence liberation and perhaps fortifying leadership and governance in the early stages of States formation. It had limited economic as well as scientific aspirations for a projected true independent Africa.

The African Union in the last decade has attempted to provide bold decisions to make Africa a competitive continent. In these; political, social and economic aspirations, their achievement will rest on key critical investments. True political independence is attained when the people led have meaningful economic progress. But, doing this requires real investments in science, technology and innovation; this is the game changer of competitiveness and expanded economic progress. In the memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew documented in The Singapore Story book; he made an important observation on how he went by organizing the country; speaking at a rally he made this remark “In ten years we will breed a generation of Malays, educated and with an understanding of the techniques of science and modern industrial management2”. For the earlier part of his memoir recognizes the great observations he earlier had with Harold Wilson at the time he contested for the Office of the Prime Minister of the UK; for his resolve to get Britain going again by using her lead in science and technology was an important part of his campaign.

These illustrations may seem to be far-fetched at the risk of even being sidelined as the usual narratives that have been told, spoken about and reviewed in various policy dialogues as well as conferences. However, I reiterate here that unless there is a strong political will and commitment from the African leadership to invest in science, technology and innovation not from pronouncements of good will but in getting things done fair and square will real progress take shape in the continent. Currently, there are several of economic stimulus and investments under implementation trying to get economies working across the continent but most of these are reacting to the unemployment challenge, breeding necessity entrepreneurs and entrenching import-based commerce as well as imported technologies and solutions. In another book; From Third World to First World, the Singapore Story: 1965-2000, Lee Kuan Yew articulated that “after grappling with the problem of unemployment for years since we first took office in 1959, all of us in the cabinet knew that the only way to survive was to industrialize3”. But, to do that, science, technology and automation had to drive the process. This has continued to underpin development progress to date. In fact, innovation and entrepreneurship are inseparable for achieving competitive advantage.

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NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

Published

10 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Mak Editor

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here!

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End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

Mark Wamai

Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17^th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9^th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17^th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Makerere-Dean-of-Students-End-of-Academic-Year-2024-2025-MEMO Download

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Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2025

Mak Editor

Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11^th and 12^th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.***

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21^st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.***

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).***

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91^st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.