UoN and Wits enter talks on collaboration

Abstract

The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) will soon expand the scope of the existing collaboration between the two institutions. The two universities are already partnering in research, teaching and community engagement, public health, engineering, social sciences and paleontology. In a meeting between Prof. George Magoha, Vice Chancellor, UoN and Prof. Loyiso G. Nongxa, the Vice Chancellor, Wits, areas of mutual interest were explored to develop a partnership that will benefit both universities. Prof. Nongxa said that African universities need to engage with Africa and participate in developmental discussions. He said that the two universities have a lot to gain from a strategic alliance which will not only build and strengthen their respective capacities but enhance the two institutions’ reputations as leading universities in the continent. In his remarks, Prof. Magoha acknowledged the importance of developing training programmes that will contribute to the nation’s sustainable growth. He said that the University has a long way to go especially in research and development. They got an opportunity to share the different strengths and weaknesses the two parties have. Information and Communication Technology (ICT), mining, financial education and staff exchange are some of the thematic areas identified for potential collaboration. The Wits delegation was given a brief tour of Main and Chiromo Campuses by Prof. Lucy Irungu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension. Also present during the meeting was Prof. Peter Mbithi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Evans Mitema, Director, Centre for International Programmes and Links (CIPL), Dr. Jamen Were, Director, School of Mathematics, among others. Prof. Nongxa was accompanied by the Director of Special Projects, Oliver Seale. Wits is mainly a science based university with 29,000 students 52 per cent of whom are female.