THE PEOPLE DAILY
Sunday, August 12, 2007
By Kenya News Agency (KNA) - Egerton University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mogadishu University in Somalia that will see the two universities (institutions) collaborate on research and a faculty exchange programme. The MoU will also facilitate an exchange programme starting September this year where at least 60 students from Mogadishu University will spend one academic year at Egerton University.
Speaking during the 18th graduation ceremony in Njoro, Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. James Tuitoek said that the university would also send its teaching staff to Mogadishu to work as visiting professors when need arises.
In his speech, EgertonUniversity’s Chancellor Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat lauded the move, saying that
Mogadishu University had acted as a beacon of hope for Somalis who have experienced decades of chaos and conflict.
“No institution operates on its own without finding out what others are doing, which is why most donors only provide research grants to collaborating institutions and scholars,” Dr Bethuel Kiplagat said. The ambassador appealed for external economic support for the transitional federal Government of Somalia saying that funds were needed for the reconstruction of infrastructure, revitalization of institutions and the training of man-power to re-establish the country’s civil service.
Dr Kiplagat, however, warned external forces that were keen on dividing Somalia for their own selfish and short-term interests to rethink their activities and start supporting the stabilization process. “It is critical that all Somalis be democratically involved in determining their fate as they have suffered a great deal and should now be allowed to enjoy the fruits of stability as opposed to anarchy, poverty, illiteracy and hunger,” the ambassador said.
Abdurahman M. Abdullahi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and University President Dr Ali Sheikh Ahmed represented Mogadishu University at the ceremony where about 2,000 graduates were issued with doctorates, degrees and diplomas.
Source: KNA, Aug 12, 2007