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Call for Proposals: Enhancing Youth Skills Development through Higher Technical Education

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1. Background

By 2050, the African youth population is estimated to reach 1.1 billion (1 in 10 of all people on the planet)1. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are mandated to impart skills to the youth that are relevant to the employment market. However, not all youth are able to join the HEIs due to various reasons including their limited financial capacity, poor academic performance at lower levels, and high competition at the joining stage. For instance, whereas the eligible population to study in HEIs in 2019/2020 grew by about 3.1% according to Uganda’s population growth estimates, the overall enrolment declined by 3.8%2.

Elaborated as one of the five flagship programmes of UNESCO Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022-2029)3, the overall objective of the Campus Africa Flagship Programme is to build integrated, inclusive, and quality tertiary education systems and institutions, for the development of inclusive and equitable societies in the Continent. The Programme is implemented along three interrelated main lines of action (MLAs) through which UNESCO jointly with its partners will strengthen and enhance equity and quality of higher education systems, connect Africa’s tertiary education systems, institutions, researchers, and communities, and promote mobility and employability of higher education students.

“Campus Africa” activities will promote all SDGs and more specifically SDG 4, 8 and 9. In particular, synergies are to be sought with United Nations agencies, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF) and development partners’ initiatives supporting SDG 4.3 – by 2030 ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.

2. Objectives of the Study on Enhancing Youth Skills Development through Higher Technical Education

To achieve the Campus Africa objective, UNESCO is working with its networks and partners to pool expertise and resources and ensure synergies in action and sustainable impact. To this end, UNESCO is collaborating with the Makerere University within the framework of the Campus Africa flagship with the objective to propose relevant operational initiatives, which address challenges of access and quality of higher education, and higher technical education in particular. More specifically, work shall be conducted in relation to Campus Africa Main Line of Action (MLA) 2, Workstream 2.1 which focuses on strengthening higher technical education to respond to national skill needs for development, by enhancing labor market oriented teaching and competency-based learning; and also to Campus Africa Main Line of Action 1 on improving the research capacity of African tertiary institutions and increasing research outcomes with effective networking.

This assignment therefore is to conduct an analytical study on the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing youth skills development through higher technical education, leveraging government-industry-university linkages, and identifying enablers and success factors – funding; curricula; collaboration and networking, etc. and propose the way to address these challenges.

The study is to have an inclusive approach, with gender, country, and regional balance where relevant – with a focus on Eastern Africa. It should target perspectives from stakeholders of higher education in Eastern Africa, in particular, from governments (ministries responsible for higher and tertiary education), higher education institutions, development partners, quality assurance council/agencies, NGOs, funding agencies, private sector associations and employers, and relevant institutions, including UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs, as well as students and graduates, as related to the content of the work.

3. Scope of the study

The scope of study will include the following:

  1. Conduct an analytical study to generate information on the gaps, challenges, and opportunities
    for enhancing youth skills development through higher technical education
  2. Engage with key stakeholders of higher education, particularly in Eastern Africa, to obtain
    information to complement the analytical study
  3. Identify opportunities for leveraging government-industry-university linkages as well as enablers
    and success factors for enhancing youth skills development through higher technical education
  4. Develop recommendations for enhancing youth skills development through higher technical
    education, upholding the principles of inclusiveness, relevance and gender equality

The study team/individual is expected to propose the best approaches for undertaking this analytical study. The proposal should detail the methodology proposed and all the costs associated with conducting the study.

4. Key Deliverables

The key deliverables will include:

  1. Inception report: detailing the methodology including the main research methods, the sampling framework, proposed sources of data, procedures for data collection and analysis, and a draft but detailed table of contents. The proposed research tools will be discussed by the UNESCO Campus Africa/CFIT III Makerere Team before study commences.
  2. Revised first Draft Final Report, incorporating suggestions and recommendations from a reference group. A second round of revision may be required before the final version of the Final Report can be produced.
  3. A final report (one electronic copy in PDF Format and one in WORD format) with key findings and recommendations.
  4. An electronic copy of all data collection tools and the analytical study data set
  5. A final presentation of the overall findings to stakeholders for validation

5. Duration of the study

The final report of the analytical study is due by Friday 22 September 2023. The duty station is Makerere University as it is expected that capacity for such studies is available.

6. Qualifications and Expertise

  • Post-graduate degree in engineering, economics, statistics, social sciences, education, or related field
  • Demonstrable experience in conducting analytical studies – particularly in the context of youth skills development
  • Good knowledge of Eastern Africa’s economy and relevant institutional frameworks
  • Ability to interpret results and provide practical recommendations
  • A good understanding of English language with excellent communication and report writing skills

7. How to Apply

Study teams or individuals interested in this opportunity should provide the following:

  • A technical proposal with detailed response to these terms of reference, with specific focus on the scope of work, methodology to be used and draft list of key stakeholders to be engaged
  • Initial high level work plan based on an outlined methodology and indication of availability to undertake the tasks within the specified timeframe
  • A financial proposal including a detailed budget breakdown for the different tasks in each specified work package

Applications should be sent via email to cedat.soe@mak.ac.ug by Thursday 17 August 2023.

Mak Editor

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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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