The AAU Biennial
Conference of Rectors
& Vice Chancellors 2023

Plenary Session VI: Launch Event:
Topic: UNAM-UWC Partnership in Purpose, Equipping, Environment and People (PEEPs) Research leadership program
Chair: Prof. Orlando Quilambo (immediate past AAU President & Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique)
Presenter: Prof. Jose Frantz (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of the Western Cape, South Africa)

Plenary Session VII: Gender Equity in African Higher Education Institutions

Chair: Prof. Orlando Quilambo (Former AAU President)
Presenter: International Development Research Centre, Canada

Presenters:

• Dr. Katie Bryant (Program Officer, Education and Science, International Development Research Centre, Canada)
• Dr. Florah Karimi (CARTA Program Manager, African Population and Health Research Centre, Kenya)
• Dr Hesborn Wao (African Population and Health Research Centre, Kenya)
• Prof. Roseanne Diab (Emerita Professor, School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Plenary Session VIII: Launch Event
“Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations”
Chair: Prof. Ambreena Manji (Professor of Land Law and Development, & Dean of International for Africa, Cardiff University)
Presenter: Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC)

• Africa and global scientific knowledge production: the imperative of transformative research collaborations
• Africa Charter for transformative research collaborations + Roadmap
• African Charter Book
• African Charter Declaration

Lunch Break

Plenary Session IX: Youth Mobility for Africa – a flagship initiative under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package
Chair: Anna Hakami, Programme Manager, European Commission, DG International Partnerships
Panel Members:

• Ms. Gosia Lachut (Deputy Head of Mission, EU Ambassador to Namibia [Acting])
• Prof. Olusola B. Oyewole (Secretary-General, Association of African Universities)
• Ms. Eveliina Anteroinen (Programme Coordinator, Embassy of Finland to Namibia)
• Dr. Erold Naomab (Vice-Chancellor, Namibia University of Science and Technology)
• Ms. Lineekela Shipiki (Student, University of Namibia, former exchange student under Erasmus+ to Czech Republic, University of Hradec Kralove)
• Prof Nelson Odume (Director, Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Coordinator of Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Project [AWaRMN])
• Ms. Elizabeth Colucci (Coordinator of HAQAA 2, Harmonisation of African Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation, OBREAL Global)
• Ms. Mirriam Chiyaba (Former CEO, Zambia Qualifications Authority, member of African Continental Qualifications Framework Advisory Group)

Plenary Session X: Stakeholder Engagement in the Development of Higher Education in Africa
Chair: Dr. Lucy Heady (CEO, Education Sub-Saharan Africa)

• Topic 1: The HAQAA Initiative and Results
  Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth Colucci (Coordinator of HAQAA 2, Harmonisation of African Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation, OBREAL Global)
• Topic 2: Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa: Presentation on Business and Financial Journalism Executive Education Symposia
  Presenter: Ms. Erana M. Stennett (Director, Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa)
• Topic 3: Driving Teaching and Learning Excellence through Academic and Partner Collaborations
  Presenter 3: Prof. Madara Ogot (Chief Executive Officer, Ubuntunet Alliance for Research and Education Networking)
• Topic 4: Understanding Faculty Challenges in the East African Community
  Presenter 4: Mr. Samuel Agyapong, (Senior Research and Evaluation Manager, Education Sub-Saharan Africa [ESSA]) / Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye (Inter University Council of East Africa, Uganda)

PARALLEL SESSION 1

Parallel Session 1a: Presentations on Subtheme 1 (Doctoral Education)

1. PH.D. Programs in Africa: Arrows, Targets and Archers
2. Doctoral education – Collaboration the hallmark of excellence and magnificence in doctoral education
3. Improving the Quality of Doctoral Education in Africa
4. Harnessing the Power of Collaboration: Enhancing Doctoral Education in African Universities
5. Towards Quality Postgraduate Research Supervision in African Universities

Chair: Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami (AAU Vice President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria)
Presenters:

• Dr. Gaoussou CAMARA (Coordinator, Digital Science and Technology Network)
• Prof. Anna-Marie Pelser (Entity Director - Research Professor, North-West University, South Africa)
• Prof. Peter Nyasulu (Head, Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
• Dr. Precious Ekwere (Chair at Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Africa Chapter, Material Chemistry Researcher, University of the Western Cape, South Africa)
• Ms. Nodumo Dhlamini (Director of Knowledge Management and ICT, Association of African Universities)

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Parallel Session 1b: Presentations on Subtheme 2 (Institutional Differentiation)

1. Branding of Higher Institutions- A case study of Selected Universities
2. Re-calibrating University Education: a case of Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
3. The Journey towards the Formation of UAS in Ethiopia: Drivers, Enablers, Barriers and the Way Forward
4. Research Excellence in Public Universities in Namibia: A bibliometric study

Chair: Prof. Yakubu Ochefu (Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities)
Presenters:

• Prof. Kehinde Adekunbi Taiwo (Department of Food Science and Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria)
• Prof. Jephias Matunhu (Executive Director, Tugwi Mukosi Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Zimbabwe)
• Dr. Ephrem Tekle Yacob (Quality Coordinator, College of Education and Behavioral Studies, Kotebe University of Education, Ethiopia)
• Mrs. Anna Leonard (Senior Librarian, University of Namibia, Namibia)

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Parallel Session 1c: Presentations on Subtheme 3 (Partnership/Cooperation and Internationalization)

1. Harnessing Research Collaboration for Research Excellence in Kenya: An Informetric Analysis across Research Fields, 1996-2023
2. Advancing excellence in research through internationalization: Some case studies
3. Towards African academic excellence: a new strategy for sustainable agriculture, water, and climate research, learning and innovation
4. Partnership, Cooperation and Internationalization of University of Kordofan, Sudan
5. Pan African scientific networks of excellence: challenges and prospects

Chair: Prof. Juliet Thondhlana (Coordinator of AAU European Office & UNESCO Chair in International Education & Development)
Presenters:

• Prof. Omwoyo Bosire Onyancha (University of South Africa, South Africa)
• Prof. Franklyn Lisk (Academic Director Africa, University of Warwick) / Prof. Sibusiso Moyo (DVC Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Stellenbosch University (South Africa))
• Dr. Bruno Gerard (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University) / Prof. Rachid Serraj (Director of Strategy, Mohamed VI Polytechnic University [UM6P], Morocco)
• Abdalla Makeen Abdalla (University of Kordofan, Sudan)
• Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire (Senior Project Manager, ACE Impact, Association of African Universities, Ghana)

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Parallel Session 1d: Showcasing Excellence in North-South Academic Collaboration through Networks: The Case of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP)

1. The CADFP: An Example of Excellence in Higher Educ. Partnership and Internationalization
2. Transnational Partnerships with Diaspora Groups ~ Case of Kisii University Kenya
3. Mentoring as a tool for cross-fertilization of African scholars in Higher Education: Reflections of CADFP experience
4. The Intervention of the African Academic Diaspora in Universities in Africa: Forms and Modalities of a Transcontinental Collaborative Dynamic

Chair: Prof. Rungano Jonas Zvobgo (Vice Chancellor, Great Zimbabwe University)
Presenters: Fellows of the CADFP

• Dr. Doyin Coker-Kolo (Coordinator of Education Leadership Program, Indiana University, Southeast, USA)
• Anakalo Shitandi
• Dr. Adefunke Ekine (Dep. Director, TAI Solarin University of Education, Ijagun , Nigeria) / Prof. Mojúbàolú Olufúnké Okome (Professor of Political Science, African & Women's Studies, Brooklyn College, CUNY, USA)
• Prof. Abdoulaye Gueye (University of Ottawa, Canada) / Prof. Michael Okyerefo (Professor of Sociology, University of Ghana)

Tea / Coffee Break

PARALLEL SESSION 2

Parallel Session 2a: Presentations on Subtheme 4 (University-Industry Linkages)

1. Promoting University-Industry Linkages: The Role of Entrepreneurial Intention, Training, and Action
2. Responding to industry skills challenges with degrees that work: integrating employer aligned certifications into academic programmes
3. Positioning Africa's Universities for Successful Industry and Governmental Trade Agency Linkages: A Case for the VITAL Model
4. Quadruple Helix Model of Innovation to Higher Education - The NUST Case
5. Determining a Success Framework to Improve Emerging Farmer Entrepreneurship in the North West province-South Africa

Chair: Prof. Tsafack Nanfosso (Professor Tsafack Nanfosso, Rector, University of Dschang, Cameroon)
Presenters:

• Dr. Inuusah Mahama (Lecturer. University of Education, Winneba, Ghana) – virtual presentation
• Mr. Mark Hudson (Global Academia Manager, PeopleCert, UK)
• Prof. Sombo Muzata (Department of Political Science, James Madison University, USA)
• Prof. Harmony Musiyarira (Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Namibia University of Science and Technology)
• Dr. Faan Pelser (Senior Lecturer, North-West University, South Africa)

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Parallel Session 2b: Panel Discussion on Subtheme 5 (Funding and Financing)
Chair: Prof. Peter Okebukola (President, Global University Network for Innovation [GUNi-Africa])
Panelists:

• 1. Prof Ellen Ndeshi Namhila (Pro-Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, University of Namibia)
• 2. Prof. Damtew Teferra, (Higher Education Expert, University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa)
• 3. Mr. Hannu Shipena (Executive Director, National Council for Higher Education, Namibia)
• 4. Dr. Saturnin Enzonga Yoca (Director of Programs, African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education - CAMES)

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Parallel Session 2c: Presentations on Subtheme 6 (Role of Intellectual Diaspora)

1. Digital Learning and the Urgent Need for Meaningful Collaboration among African Universities and Intellectual Diaspora
2. Priming Africa’s Science Grads for Enterprise and Innovation through Strategic Leveraging on Africa’s Diaspora Professional Global Network: A Catalyst to Africa Innovation (Ai)
3. Benefits and Challenges of Engaging and Mobilizing the Diaspora in Supporting Teaching and Research in African Universities
4. Beyond the Carnegie Model: Pathways to Advancing Collaborative Teaching and Research in Institutions of Higher Education in Africa
5. The Role of Diaspora in Education in Zimbabwe

Chair: Prof. Elisabetta S. Olarinde (Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University)
Presenters:

• Prof. Fredrick Muyia Nafukho (Vice Provost and Professor of Management and Organization, Foster School of Business, University of Washington, USA)
• Prof. Samuel Mugo (Professor, Analytical Chemistry, MacEwan University, Canada)
• Dr. Abdulkarim Oloyede (Associate Professor & Reader, University of Ilorin, Nigeria)
• Prof. Mariam Konaté (Professor of African American & African Studies & Gender and Women's Studies, Western Michigan University, USA)
• Prof. Juliet Thondhlana (Coordinator, AAU Office in Europe; UNESCO Chair in International Education & Development; University of Nottingham, UK)

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Parallel Session 2d: Roundtable Discussion - Students’ Engagement in Building a Resilient African Education Ecosystem
Chair: Mr. Peter Kodjie (Secretary-General, All Africa Students Union [AASU])

PARALLEL SESSION 3

Parallel Session 3a: Enhancing Education Research in Africa
Chair: Dr Maggy Amiss Beukes (Director Centre for Innovation, Learning and Teaching, UNAM)
Presenters:
Dr. Lucy Heady (CEO, Education Sub-Saharan Africa)

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Parallel Session 3b: Academia in Internet Resources Management
Chair: Dr. Boubakar Barry (CEO, West and Central Africa Research and Education Network [WACREN])
Presenters:

• PID Alliance
• Institution Repositories

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Parallel Session 3c: ACU - Supporting Excellence and Equity in International Research Partnerships
Chair: Prof Ndeyapo Nickanor (Executive Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Natural Sciences, UNAM)
Presenter:
Dr. Beate Knight (Head of Programmes, Association of Commonwealth Universities)

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Parallel Session 3d: Promotion of Nutritious and Healthy Foods with Food Safety Education in Africa
Chair: Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Coast, Ghana)
Presenter:
Dr. Ogugua Charles Aworh (International Union of Food Science and Technology, [IUFoST])

Lunch

FREE AFTERNOON / EXCURSION
Optional / Special Meetings:
Networking Session / Privately Arranged Speaking Engagements by Strategic Partners

Topic 1: LAC-Africa Meeting

Chair: Prof. Olusola Oyewole (AAU Secretary-General)

Topic 2: The HAQAA III Initiative

Chair: Prof. Olusola Oyewole (AAU Secretary-General)

Plenary Session XI

Chair: Prof. Nelago Indongo (Acting PVC: Research, Innovation & Development, UNAM)

• Topic 1: New Funder for Science in Africa
  Presenter: Science for Africa Foundation
• Topic 2: Localizing Education - Africa for Africans
  Presenter: Ei Consulting LLC
• Topic 3: Launch of the AAU Endowment Fund for the Promotion of Higher Education in Africa
  Presenter: Prof. Olusola Oyewole (AAU Secretary-General)

Plenary Session XII: Event Launch
“China-Africa Universities Exchange Consortium” Chair: Prof. Damtew Teferra (Former AAU Director of Research and Programs)
Presenter: Prof. Zhou Yu (Vice President, China Association of Higher Education Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering, Director of Africa-China Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism (UEM) China.)

Tea / Coffee Break

Plenary Session XIII: The Creation of AAU Continental Offices – Opportunities for African Universities

Chair: Dr. Marius Kudumo (Director Corporate Engagement and International Relations, UNAM)

• Topic 1: The Creation of AAU Continental Offices – the AAU Europe Regional Office
  Presenter:
  Prof. Juliet Thondhlana (Coordinator, AAU Office in Europe; UNESCO Chair in International Education & Development; University of Nottingham, UK)
• Topic 2: Building Collaborative and Scientific collaboration Collaboration between Europe, Namibia and Nigeria: The EndoVascular Project
  Presenter:
  Prof Nandu Goswami (Medical University of Graz, Austria)
• Topic 3: Budling up interregional relationships in Higher Education: challenges and opportunities: Latin America and Africa
  Presenter:
  Dr. Nicolás Patrici (OBREAL Global) and Ms. Marina Larrea (Ministry of Education, Argentina)
• Topic 4: Climate Change MOOC
  Presenter: Dr. Farai Kapfudzaruwa (Research and Partnerships Manager, University of Pretoria, South Africa)

Lunch

Plenary Session XIV: AAU Presentations Chair: Prof. Orlando Quilambo (immediate past AAU President & Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique)

• AAU Mid-term Report
  Presenter:
  Prof. Olusola Oyewole (AAU Secretary-General)
• The World Bank/Ace Project Impact
  Presenter:
  Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire (Project Coordinator, ACE for Impact Facilitating Unit, AAU)

Plenary Session XV: Presentations of Summary Recommendations from All Six (6) Sub-themes

Chair: Professor Tawana Kupe (Vice Chancellor, University of Pretoria, South Africa) Rapporteurs: Session Rapporteurs:

• Subtheme 1
• Subtheme 2
• Subtheme 3
• Subtheme 4
• Subtheme 5
• Subtheme 6

Tea Break

Plenary Session XVI: Closing Ceremony

Chair: Professor Barki Osman Saeed (President of the Association of African Universities & President of Sudan International University, Sudan)

• Performances from UNAM Choir and Oshiwambo Cultural Group
• Report from Rapporteur General
  Rapporteur General
• Official Closing

Closing Dinner (UNAM)

Performances by Kavango Cultural group