Vaal University of Technology and Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) to forge partnership
Vaal University of Technology and Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) to forge partnership
From left: Ms Hazel Mtshontshi Senior Coordinator for the First Year Experience (CAD); Professor Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research (VUT); Dr Drake Mirembe, Dean: Professional Education (UTAMU); Ms Kediemetse Mokotsi, Director, Marketing and Public Relations: Corporate Affairs (VUT); Prof Jude Lubega, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic (UTAMU) and Professor Gordon Zide VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Vaal University of Technology’s Ms Hazel Mtshontshi, Senior Coordinator: First Year Experience, Centre for Academic Development and Ms Kediemetse Mokotsi, Director, Marketing and Public Relations: Corporate Affairs were mandated by the office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Gordon Zide to visit Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU); Kiira Motor Corporation and Makerere Universities during the month of September 2017.
UTAMU opened its doors to the community in 2013 and has a student population of ± 1800. The institution is at the forefront of technology leading as an example in the 21st century revolution. It employs more than 100 experienced academic & administrative staff. The majority of its students are from Uganda while there is a positive trend in attracting regional and international students.
The aim was to explore UTAMU’s e-leaning system and other related services (research; partnerships; MoU with Kiira Motors Corporation and networking globally) which the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) can learn from and implement to improve service delivery in the areas of teaching and learning and research. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration on areas that are mutually beneficial to both institutions will be signed once an agreement has been reached.
The Visit was reciprocated by two UTAMU staff members (Prof Jude Lubega, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Dr Drake Mirembe, Dean: Professional Education) who recently attended and presented a paper at the Centre of Academic Development Conference which took place from 14 to 16 November 2017. They also had an opportunity to visit and have discussions with Prof Mabuza, Executive Dean and his team: Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences; Prof Ochieng, Acting Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Mr Ramasodi, Executive Director: IT Services; Dr Machika, Executive Director: Centre for Academic Development and her team.
The highlight of their visit was to the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park where they were fascinated by the high-tech equipment offering services that they require for their country. They promised to share the exciting news and experience with the Minister of Science and Technology in Uganda since they have been advocating for their country to establish a Science and Technology Park. They met with Prof Zide, Vice-Chancellor and Principal to share their experiences and highlight possible areas where both institutions can partner in future.
