The University of Kigali Graduate School has embarked on strengthening research intensity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Fort Hare from South Africa. The Dean Graduate School revealed after his participation in the University of Fort Hare Research week of Excellence held from November 13 to 16, 2023 at the Alice Campus
Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, Vice-Chancellor University of Fort Hare speaking during the research week
The University of Fort Hare is a public higher education institution which was founded in 1916 and is committed to the promotion of research as a core university activity and to the building of research capacity. Its research strategy recognizes the need for research to address local, regional and national needs. It seeks ways to engage in a critical dialogue with partners to build research in areas which complement the University’s historical niche as an African university whilst ensuring internationally recognized excellence. The University Fort Hare is supported by the National Research Foundation and participates in its IRDP, Thuthuka and Focus Area Programmes.
Among the areas the University of Kigali will benefit include The University of Fort Hare Research Niche areas namely: Water Resource Management; Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Strategies; Culture, Heritage and Social Transformation; and Rural Household Economics. In collaboration with THRIP, Telkom funds a Centreof Excellence in the Computer Science Department.
The University Fort Hare has major supporters of research including CSIR, ESKOM, the Medical Research Council, the Mellon Foundation, SANPAD, the Development Bankof South Africa and the Water Research Commission, as well as national and provincial government departments. Research administration at the Faculty level is overseen by the Faculty Research Committees, which coordinate and promote research among staff and students while the administration and promotion of post‐graduate studies at the Faculty level is overseen by the Faculty Higher Degree Committees. The office of the Dean of Research is housed in the Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre (GMRDC) based at both the Alice and East London Campuses.
The Agreement will foster joint research projects, training and teaching; Joint supervision of graduate and Post Graduate Students Jointly organizing conferences, seminars and symposia collaborative curriculum development and review; Faculty, Students and Staff mobility; exchange of academic materials and information; study abroad programmes and exchange internship programmes.
The Dean Graduate School Dr Kwena Ronald ( right) and Prof Shambare Richard (Middle), Dean Faculty of Management and Commerce and Prof Chinyamurindi Willie during Research week of Excellence.
The University of Fort Hare Research week of Excellence also allowed Dr Kwena to Attend the overarching plenary session where the key address was delivered by Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and President of the Academy of Science of South Africa, Prof Jonathan Jansen.
Prof Jonathan Jansen delivering his key address during the annual Research Week of Excellence (RWE)
Prof Shambare Richard Dean Faculty of Management and Commerce presenting during the Research week.
The Dean Graduate School Dr Kwena Ronald (Far right) and Prof Shambare Richard (Third right), Dean Faculty of Management and Commerce during Research week of Excellence.