The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University and ARUA Board Chairperson, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe officially opens the 4th Biennial International Conference on 15th November 2023 at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Photo: Courtesy
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 4th Biennial International Conference was hosted by the University of Lagos, Nigeria from 15th to 17th November 2023. Based on the theme “Reimagining the Future of Higher Education in Africa” the Conference was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor and ARUA Board Chairperson, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe in his opening remarks emphasised the need for the Higher Education sector in Africa to work hard and transform the continent, and decried the de-funding of the sector, which followed neoliberal reforms. Additional remarks at the opening ceremony were delivered by Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON-Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and Conference Host, Prof. Grace Otinwa-Professor of Exercise Physiology University of Lagos and Chair, Local Organising Committee as well as Prof. Ernest Aryeetey-Secretary General, ARUA.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Front Row Centre) and part of the audience at the Opening Ceremony. Photo: Courtesy
The keynote address at the opening ceremony was delivered by Professor Adam Habib, Director, School Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London on the topic “Reinventing Higher Education in the 21st Century: Bridging the Gap Between National Agendas and Transnational Challenges”.
Click the embedded video below to view Conference proceedings from Day 1.
ARUA 4th Biennial International Conference: Day 1, 15th November 2023, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.