Mzuzu University’s Post

Opening Speech by AAPS President, Prof. Faadiel Essop ___ The opening speech was presented by Prof. Faadiel Essop from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, who is also the Director of the Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA). He is the President of the African Association of Physiological Sciences (AAPS). His speech covered the activities of the new AAPS Council and the prospects ahead. He presented the six (6) key missions of the new AAPS Council to include: strengthening AAPS organizational capacity & cooperation between societies; promoting research capacity and collaboration; enhancing teaching and learning skills development; encouraging capacity building; facilitating information exchanges; and promote communication and outreach. He analysed the achievements so far under each mission. Prof. Faadiel also disclosed some challenges being faced by the AAPS to include banking difficulties & payment of subscriptions by affiliate AAPS members; loss of annual ADI funding (for secretariat) & low funding base; lack of continuity with new council handovers; and representivity on council & other countries. He proposed some solutions to the identified problems, such as increasing AAPS funding base and begin to establish an endowment fund for sustainability; roadshow: share current AAPS successes & our future plans with potential industry partners; new constitutional changes should increase representivity & continuity; target countries such as Ghana, Namibia, Botswana, Mauritius & within North Africa to become AAPS members; also offer individual membership where applicable; need to identify 4x ‘centers of excellence’ (North, East, West, South regions of Africa) to function as nodes for student/staff exchanges in terms of research endeavors and/or sharing teaching and learning skills/methods; establish a framework for such exchanges (with funding mechanisms) and for supervisors of postgraduate students (where such expertise is lacking); identify 1 or 2 core research projects that are under-investigated in African setting and apply for international funding as a collaborative grant(s), among others We thank him for his rich contribution to the success of our conference in Tanzania

The just concluded National Stakeholders' Engagement on Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation (RSTI) forum marked a pivotal moment for Kenya's RSTI landscape. Convened by the Ministry of Education State Department for Higher Education and Research in collaboration with APHRC, the forum gathered government, academia, and private sector leaders to chart a transformative course for Kenya's RSTI ecosystem. Key highlights of the meeting showcased the need to: ✔️ Foster a collaborative RSTI ecosystem, emphasizing transparency, strategic partnerships, and robust data management. ✔️ Align research initiatives with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ✔️ Enhance funding mechanisms, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to advance RSTI initiatives. ✔️Promote industry-academia collaborations to showcase innovations driving economic growth. ✔️Develop a comprehensive legal and policy framework to streamline research processes. ✔️Focus on advancing Kenya’s RSTI framework to foster innovative solutions and sustainable development. "The ministry recognizes the need to create a conducive research ecosystem in Kenya. We are committed to strengthening partnerships with sector players to drive cutting-edge research and ensure robust data and practical insights inform policies." Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education State Department for Higher Education and Research. Our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and stakeholders for making the forum a success. Commission for University Education Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), National Commission for Science and Technology (NACOSTI) National Research Fund Kenya Florah Karimi Alphonsus Neba Dr. Kirimi Sindi , Ph.D Gaye Agesa Patrick Opiyo Owili, PhD, PhD Nkonge Moreen HIRAM KARIUKI patrick amboka Eugenia S. Lamech N. Mutava Mamadou Diarafa Diallo Anthony Mveyange Catherine Kyobutungi

Upon Embarking on a New Page at the Network of Education & Multidisciplinary Research Africa (NEMRA) Flaternity by Dr. Gad Ruzaaza Ndaruhutse, Ph.D & Comrade Arinaitwe Rugyendo (A Synopsis): Standing on the already established Protocol we moved through the Academic and Education rituals of life long learning and mutual respect. It is Africa's Premier Multidisciplinary Research, Innovation, Communication & Innovation Conference. Well the Conference, moving on and ahead, has already covered Research outputs, outcomes and impact towards building a Resiliently Formidable Research Africa Network. A few highlights are below: 1) Honestly, it was humbling to learn about the Research Arm of the Ministry of Education and Sports. This Conference Marked the Coming Together of Like Minds. Speaker after Speaker, emphasized the role of Higher Education and Research for Africa's Sustainable Development. This is not a Conference for and about Africa. This a Conference constructing a fresh reality for the future. 2) The Who is who in Research, Innovation, Teaching and Community Engagement in Africa was either Physically present online. I am not an American, but I would like to say something funny.. ! You missed..? Please don't do it again, otherwise we shall use words against you. Enough is enough for us, at Africa, a once upon a time Sleeping Giant, now rising. We shall extend a hand of partnership and friendship, only when you are willing. NEMRA is a collaboration and partnership of the willing. 3.) The Key Note Speaker emphasized the need to leave the comfort zone. Well, Africa has more than enough Research Opportunities. Honestly, where else on Earth can Research be grown like in Africa? The time is fast moving; Africa is building her own capacity - incase you are well, you need to know what to do. This notion was further emphasized in plenary, when Dr. Hammis talked about planning for Africa and with Africa. The Parallel Sessions followed suite. Does God ever sleep in Africa? Or rather when God visits elsewhere, he sleeps in Africa? 4.) There was emphasis on Research as a life style. How come that Africa, the Cradle of human kind apparently is contributing little to the Global Knowledge Economy? Is there conspiracy? Is there self hate? Not at all. A rising World is freshly beginning with Africa repositioning herself. Africa, beginning with NEMRA is developing her Research Agenda. Please don't be left behind. 5.) Upon looking ahead, NEMRA will develop a Research Framework, Partner and Collaborate widely based on humanism "Ubuntu". NEMRA is extending invitation to you for mutual respect, collaboration and partnership with Africa and towards a more humane World. Just don't be scared - that is sometimes how we need to within the set goals. 6.) There is an upcoming issue of the Natural Ecosystem and the Built Environment. 7.) There is the issue of Reorienting Education to meet the Greater needs of Society. @ NEMRA Flaternity.

Foundational learning is a critical gap in the education systems of most developing countries of the Global South. To address educational policies effectively, the Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) hopes to build a network of young researchers and train them to enable informed decision-making. Watch the video below by the PEP - Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) providing more details about the program and the experiences of the current cohort of Fellows who shared their research at PEP's annual conference held earlier this year. Ramaele Moshoeshoe Prakriti Kar

Unam vice chancellor secures N$19,5b funding: University of Namibia (Unam) vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu signed an agreement facilitating access to N$19,5 billion (970 million euros) in funding for African universities last Thursday. This was confirmed in a recent statement released by the European Commission and the Pan-African University. “The undersigned, representing the European Commission and the Pan-African University, are pleased to confirm their intent to work together under the Youth Mobility for Africa Flagship Initiative,” noted the statement. It further noted that the initiative promotes learning mobility opportunities within Africa and between Africa and the European Union (EU). It supports cooperation in higher education and skills development and promotes Africa as a study destination. This funding, available through competitive bidding, supports projects including the Erasmus and Intra-Africa mobility schemes. “This initiative is designed to foster learning mobility within Africa and between Africa and the EU, enhance cooperation in higher education, promote skill development and position Africa as an attractive study destination,” noted the statement. The post Unam vice chancellor secures N$19,5b funding appeared first on The Namibian.

The detailed plans emerging from the recent FOCAC Summit should be a wake-up call to the West, and especially to the United States, that educating and training Africa's rising youth population, where Africa's future resides, must be a core component of their engagement with African countries.

Have you ever wondered about the volume of original research published from developing countries like Ethiopia, especially considering the challenges of limited experimental facilities? How does our output compare to that of developed nations, and how far are we behind? Ethiopian universities are home to bright, eager colleagues and students ready to learn the latest technological advances. However, the lack of advanced technology and infrastructure prevents us from conducting original research and keeps us from our counterparts in developed countries. This research gap becomes particularly apparent when applying for grants, funding, or fellowships, where metrics like publication numbers and citations are compared with those of institutions equipped with cutting-edge facilities. So, what steps are we taking to bridge this knowledge gap? Do we make excuses for the lack of facilities hindering our publications, or are we actively pursuing available opportunities? Here are some strategies to consider: 1.      Collaborate Internationally: Establish partnerships with international institutions to access their facilities and expertise. 2.      Find Mentors: Identify mentors who can guide and share their experiences with you. 3.      Utilize Virtual Labs: Explore virtual lab platforms that simulate experiments digitally and enable online collaboration. 4.      Seek Funding: Apply for grants and funding specifically aimed at African institutions, such as: -         African Union Research Grants Programme -         African Development Bank (AfDB) Grants -         World Bank Africa Region Grants -         United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Grants -         European Union Funding for Africa -         Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grants -         The World Academy of Science (TWAS) -         African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Grants -         United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Grants -         Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) -         National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants for International Collaboration By proactively engaging in these strategies and others, we can work towards narrowing the research gap and showcasing the immense potential of our universities. #BridgingResearchGap #EthiopianUniversities #ResearchOpportunities #CollaborationIsKey

I am thrilled and greatly honoured to announce that I have been selected to join the British Council Youth Advisory Board for the Going Global 2024 Conference. The conference, themed "Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Education Institutions and Systems in Africa," will take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from November 26th to 28th, 2024. This prestigious platform will provide an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, share insights, and contribute to shaping the future of tertiary education across the continent. As a member of the Youth Advisory Board, I will have the opportunity to contribute to the planning and delivery of the conference, ensuring that youth perspectives are meaningfully integrated into the program. I look forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and addressing shared challenges to create a more sustainable and relevant education system for Africa. The Going Global Africa conference will provide a platform to foster engagement with, and learn about, regional and global challenges in tertiary education and identify ways in which regional and international collaboration can strengthen capacity at system, institutional and individual level, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for young Africans. To achieve this objective, the conference activities will be delivered through the following strategies:  LEARN: Promote thought leadership by facilitating the exchange of new evidence and insights from Africa and the UK, including policymakers and sector leaders.  CONNECT: Create networking opportunities for governments, tertiary education providers, industry, young people and influencers from the region and the UK to engage with ideas and knowledge that tackle shared regional and global challenges.  COLLABORATE: Explore the establishment of a platform that would enable stronger collaboration and partnerships between higher education institutions within Africa and with the UK.  SHOWCASE: Create opportunities for showcasing new tools, approaches, frameworks and other good practices so that they are adapted and adopted in other institutions.

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𝗥𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗘𝗖𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗔), 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗔 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 (𝗣𝗜𝗔𝗔𝗖) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗔 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦) In a public event held in Kigali, the Republic of Rwanda has announced the National Launch of the OECD - OCDE Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Together with the country’s potential participation in PIAAC and TALIS assessments– a “first in Africa” - , this move marks a significant step towards establishing skills as a globally comparable and equitable currency for the 21st century.   Gaspard Twagirayezu, Minister of Education of the Republic of Rwanda. said: "We are proud to participate in PISA 2025, as it aligns with our national goal of providing quality education to every Rwandan child. The data and insights gained will be invaluable in shaping the future of education in Rwanda."   Andreas SCHLEICHER, OECD Director for Education and Skills, added: “PISA and its sister assessments are tools for education systems to learn from one other, to strengthen the role of education in economic and social development. The quality of education can never exceed the quality of teachers, and we are therefore pleased to see Rwanda’s interest in the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) to support its teachers to meet ambitious learning goals. OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) will enable Rwanda to see not just how well today’s workforce is prepared for tomorrow’s economy, but also how effectively the economy is converting better skills into better jobs and better lives.”   The cooperation between the Government of Rwanda and OECD Education and Skills is convened by kENUP Africa foundation.