The University of South Africa (UNISA) and Makerere University, one of Uganda’s most esteemed institutions, have entered into a strategic partnership to advance higher education, research, and innovation across the African continent. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), emphasizes teaching, learning, research, and community engagement, reflecting a shared vision to foster transformative academic practices rooted in African traditions and values.
Professor Boitumelo Senokoane, Acting Executive Director of UNISA’s Department of Institutional Advancement, expressed the significance of this partnership. He highlighted the importance of African institutions working together to reclaim the continent’s intellectual futures and accelerate transformation. “By partnering with other African institutions, we ensure our efforts remain anchored in African customs, cultures, and traditions,” Senokoane remarked.
The partnership outlines several key areas of collaboration. Joint multidisciplinary research initiatives will address pressing challenges facing Africa, while symposia, workshops, and conferences will serve as platforms for knowledge exchange. A robust student exchange programme will allow students from both institutions to experience cross-border learning, breaking down barriers in knowledge production and empowering the next generation of African leaders to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.
Professor Senokoane emphasized the importance of African universities embracing collaboration rather than competition. He noted that such partnerships enable institutions to prioritize African values and traditions while building a unified vision for the continent’s academic future.
Unlike many agreements that fail to deliver on their promises, this partnership is committed to producing tangible results. Senokoane highlighted the need for measurable outcomes, stating, “This partnership will serve as an example of how meaningful collaboration can create lasting benefits for Africa’s higher education landscape.”
By uniting their efforts, UNISA and Makerere University aim to elevate the global standing of African universities and reinforce their contributions to the socio-economic development of the continent. This partnership not only strengthens the institutions involved but also sets the stage for future collaborations that will enhance Africa’s academic and developmental goals.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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