African academics get sh12b
Nov 06, 2007
THE Association of African Universities (AAU) has set up a fund to reward African academics who make outstanding contribution in teaching, research and community service.
By John Eremu
in Tripoli
THE Association of African Universities (AAU) has set up a fund to reward African academics who make outstanding contribution in teaching, research and community service.
The association that brings together 208 higher institutions of learning has also sealed a £3.5m (sh12.6b) deal with the British Department for International Development (DFID) to strengthen the capacities of the institutions and to act as catalysts for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
At the centre of the grant is the Challenge Fund for strengthening partnerships between AAU and sub-regional and national organs representing higher education institutions, the association said in a statement issued in Tripoli, Libya, at the just concluded 12th conference of university rectors, vice chancellors and presidents.
The fund is open to all higher institutions of learning in Africa and details can be obtained from the association website at: www.aau.org/mrci.
Launching the AAU Award for Distinguished Contribution to Higher Education, the association’s vice president, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali, said African academicians have made tremendous contribution to knowledge creation, but their efforts were rarely recognised.
Dr. Pascal Hoba, the association head of communication and services said public recognition of such contributions was essential to encourage greater commitment to knowledge production, institutional building and community service — the vital ingredients for revitalising African higher education.
“Rapid increases in enrollment, static or shrinking public subvention, declining services and facilities, scant support for research and unabated brain drain have had a marked effect on higher education in most parts of Africa,†Hoba said.
“Despite these daunting challenges, several members of the academic community have provided inspiration to their colleagues,†he added.
Hoba said the culture of recognising academic heroes was strong in the developed countries, but was yet to gain root in Africa.
“Rarely does one hear of outstanding achievements in teaching, research and community service being recognised through awards by African governments or regional organisations,†he said.
AAU has invited higher institutions of learning to nominate candidates for the award where the winners shall receive a medal and a cash prize to support their activities.
The nominees must be citizens of an African country, in active service, recognised for originality and diversity of scholarly publications, demonstrated innovation in leadership, provided outstanding public service outside his/her normal calling and must have had a sound record of ethical conduct and professional integrity.
in Tripoli
THE Association of African Universities (AAU) has set up a fund to reward African academics who make outstanding contribution in teaching, research and community service.
The association that brings together 208 higher institutions of learning has also sealed a £3.5m (sh12.6b) deal with the British Department for International Development (DFID) to strengthen the capacities of the institutions and to act as catalysts for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
At the centre of the grant is the Challenge Fund for strengthening partnerships between AAU and sub-regional and national organs representing higher education institutions, the association said in a statement issued in Tripoli, Libya, at the just concluded 12th conference of university rectors, vice chancellors and presidents.
The fund is open to all higher institutions of learning in Africa and details can be obtained from the association website at: www.aau.org/mrci.
Launching the AAU Award for Distinguished Contribution to Higher Education, the association’s vice president, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali, said African academicians have made tremendous contribution to knowledge creation, but their efforts were rarely recognised.
Dr. Pascal Hoba, the association head of communication and services said public recognition of such contributions was essential to encourage greater commitment to knowledge production, institutional building and community service — the vital ingredients for revitalising African higher education.
“Rapid increases in enrollment, static or shrinking public subvention, declining services and facilities, scant support for research and unabated brain drain have had a marked effect on higher education in most parts of Africa,†Hoba said.
“Despite these daunting challenges, several members of the academic community have provided inspiration to their colleagues,†he added.
Hoba said the culture of recognising academic heroes was strong in the developed countries, but was yet to gain root in Africa.
“Rarely does one hear of outstanding achievements in teaching, research and community service being recognised through awards by African governments or regional organisations,†he said.
AAU has invited higher institutions of learning to nominate candidates for the award where the winners shall receive a medal and a cash prize to support their activities.
The nominees must be citizens of an African country, in active service, recognised for originality and diversity of scholarly publications, demonstrated innovation in leadership, provided outstanding public service outside his/her normal calling and must have had a sound record of ethical conduct and professional integrity.