On April 19th, 2023, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted a delegation from the University of Malawi (UNIMA) led by their Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samson Sajidu. The visit aimed at fostering a partnership that climaxed into the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions. Other members of the delegation were; Prof. Cosmo Ngongondo – Executive Dean, of the School of Natural Sciences, Mr. Alfred Iteta Banda – Deputy Registrar, and Mr. Lazarus Zaipa – Assistant Director of Finance and Investments. The delegation was warmly received by MUST’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Celestino Obua at the Kihumuro campus.
The MoU formalizes the commitment to collaborate in areas of mutual interest that include; joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, and sharing of academic resources and expertise. “This partnership represents a significant milestone for both institutions. It opens up exciting possibilities for collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, which will undoubtedly benefit our faculty, students, and communities we serve” Prof. Obua said. Similarly, Prof. Samson Sajidu, Vice Chancellor of UNIMA expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to collaborate with MUST. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in fostering academic and cultural exchanges, and in collectively addressing regional challenges through joint efforts.
The MoU between MUST and UNIMA is expected to pave way for a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership, promoting academic excellence, research collaboration, and innovation. This collaboration is anticipated to contribute to the development of science, agriculture, technology, and higher education in the region and beyond.
As part of their visit, the UNIMA delegation from the University of Malawi learned more about the projects implemented like the data science research hub. They also toured various projects implemented by MUST, showcasing the cutting-edge research and innovation that the university is known for. The UNIMA delegation visited the PHARMBIOTRAC museum and laboratory and leveraged the best practices they will apply as they implement their newly attained African Centre of Excellence II funded by the World Bank.
The tour was a unique opportunity for Prof. Sajidu and his team to witness first-hand the strides that MUST have made in various fields such as health sciences, engineering, and technology. The delegation was particularly impressed by MUST’s commitment to research excellence and its focus on addressing local and regional challenges through practical and innovative solutions. After signing the MOU, Prof Obua hosted the delegation at a luncheon attended by other MUST University officers.
Succeed we MUST