Education
Do not waste a crisis, Prof. Doyin tips leaders
A crisis is a terrible thing to waste, were the parting words of Prof. Doyin Coker-Kolo, during her lecture on Leadership in times of Crisis; Building a campus culture of Resilient Thinking. Prof. Doyin called on leaders to ensure that they emerge victorious after the crisis. She said it is during a crisis that we are all tested and it is the best time to be innovative. Taking an example of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning IODEL, Makerere University, which used the Covid 19 Crisis to ensure the university faculty and students embraced e-learning. The institute had previously conducted e-learning for only its students, however, upon the closure of the education system owing to the pandemic, the management of the university embraced e-learning for all students of the university, a practice that continues to date.
Prof. Doyin, a visiting professor from Indiana University Southeast, delivered her lecture during a webinar on March 31, 2022 to researchers across the globe. She Is a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow at the College of Education & External Studies (CEES).
While welcoming Prof. Doyin to address give her lecturer, the Principal of CEES, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, noted that the education system in Uganda has been resilient even in the face of Covid-19. He challenged women to join leadership of the institution, saying women are resilient in many ways, but have not joined leadership of the college. “I hope that by the end of this discussion, more women will have been swayed to join the leadership of the college.”
 Quoting Stockholm Resilience Center, Prof. Doyin advised that leaders in Higher Institutions out to be resilient leaders with cognitive flexibility, who overcome crisis thinking by holding a strong sense of purpose, an openness to question fundamental assumptions, and demonstrate mindful thinking outside of their daily responsibilities. “Crises are places where we find our greatness because they push us in ways that, in times of normalcy, we don’t get pushed. We find strengths and abilities that are latent inside us,” she said.
She shared some effective leadership practices which included effective communication, decision making, empathy or humanism, realism and one who knows the core values of the institution. “People want credible leaders. Let the people know what the institution can and cannot do. Give facts with humility and empathy,” she emphasized.
Prof. Doyin shared factors of building a resilient institution which included having a strong foundation, having visionary leaders both past and present, commitment of staff and students. She said the vision that the students have for the institution is also an important factor of a resilient institution. External partnerships also play a role in ensuring the resilience of the institution. A sense of pride by the staff and students of the institution as well as communication also play a vital role in ensuring resilience of an institution.
Resilience of an institution can however be hindered by anxiety of leaders, relying on short term goal rather than the long term as well as the desire to return to normalcy. Prof. Doyin said the desire to return to normalcy hinders innovation.
Professor share some lessons from resilient leaders and asked her audience to reflect on them;
- Resilience takes practice; Training in crisis management may be required
- Focus on mission as the rationale for change
- Engage a wide range of stakeholders in the planning process but provide a clear structure and ideas for them to react to rather than simply soliciting random suggestions
- Be transparent about institutional constraints and tradeoffs and the need to rigorously prioritize goals and resources
- Empower leaders at every level—board, cabinet, deans and admin leaders, chairs and students by devoting time and resources to leadership development
- Focus on the fundamentals of resilience thinking. The goal is not simply to survive a temporary crisis but to build a structure that can continue to support the mission of the institution well into the future
Prof. Doyin concluded by calling on all leaders to look at any crisis as an opportunity to do better. Quoting Hunter, she said “As a leader, crisis is an opportunity to find your greatness and to activate that in other people around you.”
Over 240 students graduated with certificates and diplomas from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) under the Love Binti Program, which offers training in fashion design and hairdressing.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on December 13, 2024, Mr. Joseph Watuleke, the program coordinator at Makerere University, noted that while the program has provided free training for seven years, this year’s graduates were required to co-fund 50% of their tuition to ensure sustainability. Due to rising demand, the college introduced diploma-level training and plans to expand into other vocational courses.
Preparing Job Creators, Not Job Seekers
As the global focus shifts from creating job seekers to fostering job creators, graduates from the Love Binti Program expressed interest in pursuing higher education to enhance their qualifications. They called for universities to prioritize vocational courses at the degree level, citing the growing youth unemployment crisis.
“Universities are still producing job seekers, leaving many graduates unemployed due to a lack of practical skills,” said Mr. Moses Conrad Yesuanjagala, a fashion and design graduate. “If more students were enrolled in vocational training, they would be job-ready upon graduation.”
The students made this plea during the Love Binti International graduation ceremony held at Makerere University’s Rugby Grounds, where 244 students were conferred ordinary and advanced certificates in fashion and design.
Transforming Dreams into Reality
Since its founding in 2018, Love Binti International has graduated 1,930 students in Uganda in hairdressing and fashion design. Mr. Yesuanjagala, 53, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, sharing how his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer came true through the program.
“I’m a father of grown children, but I still pursued this knowledge because the skills are practical and marketable,” he said, urging universities to embrace vocational skilling.
Similarly, Ms. Sarah Apio, a fellow fashion and design graduate, called on her peers to pursue their passions fearlessly. “The world needs your unique perspective, talent, and passion. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and pursue your dreams,” she advised.
Institutional Support and Future Prospects
Dr. Jimmy Tibs Tumwesigye, representing the Department of Adult and Community Education at Makerere, emphasized the need for continuous skilling beyond formal education. He encouraged graduates to form groups and apply for government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga for startup capital.
“Be our ambassadors and train at least five more people. That is how we build a skilled and self-reliant society,” he urged.
Dr. Harriet Nabushawo, Dean of the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, served as the guest of honor. She encouraged graduates to remain proactive, collaborate, and seek out new knowledge and designs online.
On behalf of Makerere University, Dr. Nabushawo pledged continued support for the program, which has been hosted at the university for seven years.
Founder’s Vision and Sustainability Plans
Ms. Elle Yang, founder and executive director of Love Binti International, shared her vision of empowering African men and women through vocational training to combat unemployment. Initially offering fully sponsored programs, she introduced a co-funding model this year due to rising enrollment.
“Instead of giving you fish, I wanted to teach you how to catch it. These skills, if used well, can change your life,” she affirmed.
December 11, 2024
Makerere University has embarked on a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the pedagogical and professional competencies of its academic staff. The inaugural training, organized by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), was officially launched by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza at Fairway Hotel. The training is facilitated by a team from the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS) at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
In his opening remarks, Prof. Buyinza emphasized the urgent need for retooling academic staff in light of emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving teaching technologies. “The digital era has reshaped how we teach and learn. We must equip our staff with the necessary pedagogical skills and ethical professionalism to remain at the forefront of higher education,” he said.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, one of the lead facilitators, highlighted that the training goes beyond teaching techniques, focusing on developing reflective and adaptive educators. “University teaching today demands more than subject expertise. It requires an intentional blend of pedagogical knowledge, ethical standards, and technological competence,” he remarked.
The University Pedagogy and Professionalism Course was designed in response to gaps identified in higher education teaching. According to the course guidelines, many academic staff possess deep subject-matter expertise but lack structured training in pedagogy and andragogy, essential for effective knowledge transfer.
Participants will engage in an intensive curriculum covering themes such as educational theory, professional ethics, teaching models, assessment strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies. The course, guided by the National Council for Higher Education’s strategic plan, aims to foster continuous professional development among university educators.
Prof. Buyinza concluded by reiterating Makerere University’s commitment to nurturing competent and ethically grounded educators. “This initiative reflects our dedication to academic excellence and our role in shaping the future of higher education in Uganda and beyond.”
The training is expected to run in phases, ensuring that all academic staff receive the essential skills needed to enhance the university’s teaching and learning environment.
The U.S Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp, has called on institutions of higher learning to groom and shape active citizens. The ambassador was delivering a keynote address at the Annual Prof. William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture, held on Thursday October 3, 2024 at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Auditorium.
“Higher education is not just about earning degrees; it is about cultivating the skills and values that create active, engaged citizens who can contribute to a better world,” H.E. William W. Popp said.
Ambassador Popp emphasized the crucial role universities play in nurturing responsible citizens. By fostering debate, advocacy and governance participation, universities equip students with the tools needed for leadership in their communities and beyond. “Universities are essential for promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship—key components of a healthy democracy. A vibrant democracy relies on citizens who can engage constructively and peacefully with each other and their leaders,” he explained.
He elaborated on how universities contribute to civic education by offering courses in disciplines like political science, history, and sociology. These programs inform students about democratic systems, civil rights, and global issues, while also providing platforms for interaction with current and former political leaders, he said.
Ambassador Popp highlighted the importance of fostering critical thinking and debate. “By engaging in discussions around complex issues, students learn to form informed opinions and engage in responsible democratic discourse.” He noted that universities empower individuals through education, internships, and student councils, laying the groundwork for active and informed citizenship. “History shows that universities are incubators of social movements, where students challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society.”
Panel discussants
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Director of the Law Development Centre, reinforced these points by outlining three core roles of universities: teaching, applied research, and community engagement. “We must reflect on how well we are fulfilling these responsibilities,” she urged, encouraging students to adopt a lifelong learning mindset and recognize that no one can know everything.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, Coordinator of the GROW Project at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), shared insights on various opportunities available to students that can help them navigate their career paths. She also called on parents to actively engage in shaping their children’s educational journeys before they transition to higher education institutions.
In honoring the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised him as one of Uganda’s most influential educationists. A two-time Vice Chancellor and the first Fulbright from Uganda, Prof. Kajubi opened doors for many African students to benefit from the Fulbright scholarship. Prof. Nawangwe recalled his personal friendship with Kajubi, highlighting the wisdom he gained from him.
During Uganda’s struggle with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Prof. Kajubi played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in the U.S., which helped train staff to manage the crisis. “The first COVID-19 testing kits we received at Mulago Hospital were donated by Case Western Reserve University—400,000 free kits,” noted Prof. Nawangwe, emphasizing the enduring impact of Prof. Kajubi’s contributions to Makerere University and Uganda.
Through these discussions, the lecture underscored the vital role of higher education in not only developing individual capabilities but also fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry, ultimately contributing to a stronger democracy.
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