Today 3rd September 2024 the Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF), Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo accompanied by Ronald Balimunsi Head ICT Department, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona Executive Secretary. The meeting aimed at discussing key areas of collaboration between UVCF and IUCEA, focusing on enhancing the visibility of UVCF within IUCEA and promoting partnerships to improve the quality of education in the East African region and beyond.
Objectives of the Meeting
The main objectives of the meeting were:
- To strengthen the relationship between UVCF and IUCEA.
- To explore ways to increase UVCF’s visibility within IUCEA’s initiatives and programs.
- To establish a framework for collaboration that would enhance the quality of higher education in East Africa.
- To explore potential partnerships that extend beyond the region, promoting academic excellence on a global scale.
Meeting Highlights
Welcoming Remarks by Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona
The meeting was hosted by Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA, who welcomed the UVCF delegation and expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with UVCF in various areas aimed at improving higher education in East Africa. He acknowledged the significant role UVCF plays in promoting academic excellence and looked forward to positive engagements between the two organizations. He also emphasised the changing role of higher education covering teaching research , Community engagement, innovation and industrial engagement.
Presentation by Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo
In his address, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of UVCF, provided an overview of UVCF’s role, mandate, and ongoing activities. He outlined how UVCF serves as a platform for promoting collaboration among universities in Uganda and enhancing the quality of education. Prof. Lugujjo emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with IUCEA to achieve shared goals and highlighted specific areas where joint efforts could benefit both organizations.
Prof. Lugujjo also assured Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona of UVCF’s commitment to building a positive and productive relationship moving forward. He expressed optimism that the collaboration between UVCF and IUCEA would bring substantial benefits to the higher education sector in East Africa.
Key Discussion Points
Improving UVCF Visibility within IUCEA
The Executive Director of UVCF emphasized the need for greater visibility of UVCF within IUCEA. This would ensure that UVCF is actively involved in regional initiatives aimed at improving higher education. The Executive Secretary of IUCEA expressed openness to incorporating UVCF into various platforms, such as regional forums and policy discussions, to promote higher education.
Collaboration and Partnership
Both organizations agreed on the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving shared educational objectives. The Executive Secretary of IUCEA, Prof. Banyankimbona, highlighted IUCEA’s efforts in promoting Africa Canters of Excellence (ACEs) in universities across the region. He mentioned that some universities in Uganda, such as Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) in Nkozi, have benefited from these ACEs, which focus on addressing specific regional development challenges through research and innovation. Other member countries have also benefited from these canters, which contribute to improving educational and research standards across East Africa. UVCF members expressed interest in further exploring how Ugandan universities could maximize the potential of ACEs for regional impact.
They also discussed the potential for joint research initiatives, faculty exchange programs, and regional conferences that would address the pressing challenges facing higher education in East Africa. Collaborative efforts in quality assurance and accreditation were also highlighted as priority areas.
Enhancing Quality of Education
Improving the quality of education across the East African region was a key focus of the meeting. Prof. Banyankimbona highlighted that IUCEA has already developed a regional Higher Education Accreditation Framework, which is fully operational and serves as a guideline for quality assurance and standards across universities in East Africa. He also noted that a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) accreditation framework is in place, promoting high standards in vocational education.
The discussion revolved around ensuring that both frameworks continue to be effectively implemented across member institutions, with UVCF playing an active role in monitoring and improving quality. Both parties agreed to explore how UVCF could support the promotion and dissemination of these frameworks among Ugandan universities, as well as align its own efforts with IUCEA’s established quality assurance systems.
STEM TVET Philosophy
The role of STEM and TVET Philosophy was emphasised by both parties. However, the absence of an introductory course in philosophy to our graduates across the board should be bridged. This would form as a basis for nationalisation and building a core base for democracy and peace amidst advancement of technology. The Value system and critical thinking of graduates must be natured.
Regional and Global Outlook
In terms of regional and global partnerships, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona proposed that universities in East Africa review and localize their academic programs. He stressed the importance of tailoring educational programs to the specific needs and priorities of the region to ensure relevance and impact. This would help universities better serve local communities and industries while maintaining global competitiveness. The review of programs could focus on aligning curricula with the region’s socio-economic development goals, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed to address the challenges unique to East Africa.
Both parties agreed that such localized programs, coupled with global partnerships, could enhance the universities’ ability to attract international collaboration while ensuring the institutions are well positioned to meet regional demands. They also discussed the possibility of expanding collaborations beyond East Africa, with a focus on building global linkages that could benefit the region’s universities by accessing resources and sharing best practices with international institutions
Conclusion
The visit by the UVCF Executive Director to the IUCEA Headquarters was highly productive. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve the quality of higher education in East Africa. Key outcomes include a mutual agreement to increase UVCF’s visibility within IUCEA, to foster collaboration on education-related projects, and to seek opportunities for international partnerships that would strengthen the region’s academic institutions.
Next Steps
Both organizations agreed to improve their communication style as a way of fostering information sharing, ensuring that IUCEA can attend UVCF workshops and conferences, and regularly share updates with UVCF members.
Members Present
- Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona – Executive Secretary, IUCEA
- Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo – Executive Director, UVCF
- Prof. Meshack A. Obonyo – Senior Principal, Exchange Links and Partnership
- Ronald Balimunsi – Head of ICT, UVCF