The University of Gondar takes part in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with African Institutions
The University of Gondar, in a virtual environment, took part in an MoU signing ceremony today on the 1st of June 2022. The College of Business and Economics organized the event that centered on strengthening teaching and research capabilities that will benefit various stakeholders at the University of Gondar, University of Fort Hare, Makerere University Business School, and the University of Kagali.
Various Stakeholders took part and representatives from various institutions were allowed to speak on the benefits that the partnership would bring to the respective institutions. One of the common themes that every administrator alluded to was the ability to strengthen continental integration and a new path forward.
Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, the President of the University of Gondar shared with those in attendance that moving forward Africans should take the lead and build unity for the sustainable growth of the continent. Most African Universities are yet to strengthen relationships with other institutions in Africa. Dr. Asrat expressed that he strongly believes that if African administrators are able to pivot and prioritize African institutions, they will be able to unlock the untapped potential that is based on African needs for a common future.
He shared, “I would like to bring your attention to Europe and the West. There comes a time when we as Africans may need to observe the path of others to actually understand what works and what doesn’t. I feel the Europeans can help in this light. As we see the history and path of European states and institutions, we can see a trend that is beneficial but also strategic in nature. They, the Europeans, from an early stage, have understood the importance of unity and the devastating effects of isolation.”
He further explained, “In this globalized and international world, it has become abundantly clear that countries and institutions cannot work alone and if they try, they don’t go very far. That is why I like the idea of the European Union, and organizations which center on Unity. The West created a platform and organizations that allowed them to work with one another and live with one another. This was not by mistake. They knew that with the resources and manpower they had, it would be in the best interest of all of them if they worked together. And this experiment is still visible today and has become one of the strongest blocs in the world.”
Dr. Asrat concluded by saying, “We must unite to bring change to the billions of people that are on our continent. We must link institutions, create access to easy transport between borders, allow for the easy integration of peoples and have a common and unified goal for development and prosperity. Therefore, I would like to share that this event and the meeting of our respective universities is one large leap to achieving our goals of integration and continental development. There is no better time than now to make this happen. And I appreciate the effort and commitment on the part of all who made this day a reality.”
The signing of the MoU marks a shift from ceremonial signing and will bear practical results according to the Principle of the Makerere University School of Business. Those in attendance shared their hopes of seeing staff-student exchange, joint grant writing, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives that will allow for the growth and integration of all of the African Institutions involved.
