By Correspondent
Rongo University has been selected as the host institution of the first East Africa Education Collaborative Hub involving higher education institutions in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary State Department for University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi, Deputy Director University Education David Watene said the Ministry of Education has noted that the initiative of the collaboration and establishment of the hub is in line with the Governments endeavor to strengthen employment as well as improve governance and entrepreneurship in universities.
Through Watene, the PS assured Rongo University of the Ministry’s support where applicable and expressed optimism that the benefits of the regional hub will soon be realized.
Watene added that, built on the values of collaboration, ethics leadership and community; the education collaborative prioritizes providing dedicated mentorship and resources that higher education institutions will need, if they are to become leading centers of excellence on the continent.
The education collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Asheshi University in Ghana aims to lead a convening of higher learning institutions in Africa that collectively and sustainably raise standards for higher education outcomes.
To formalize the regional hub, a team of thirteen education leaders from Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Kenya visited Rongo university to conduct due diligence.
The Vice Chancellor Rongo University Prof. Samuel Gudu said the university will be able to implement the hub according to ministry’s expectations.
He said the hub aims to forge mutual partnerships in research and entrepreneurship in the region, adding that this was the first Strategy meeting on setting agenda on the operations of the regional hub and Rongo as the first hub for Eastern Africa.
Among the universities present are University of Embu, Rongo University, Riara University, Strathmore University, United States International University (USIU), and The Aga Khan University in Kenya, Cavendish University in Uganda, Keplr University Rwanda and Davis College also from Rwanda.
The Chair of Council, Rongo University Dr. Racheal Masaki commended the institutions represented at the inaugural meeting for their commitment in supporting Rongo University.
She noted that the universities in Africa vowed to come together so as to benefit students and devise strategies that can improve employability, leadership and entrepreneurship.
The institutions will focus on building capacity in Africa to form a league of Africa’s top 20 universities in East, West, South and North Africa regions with the networking process beginning in East Africa.
