2ND CARTA VICE CHANCELLOR'S MEETING CARTA 2ND VICE CHANCELLORS MEETING REPORT | Page 23

© Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) & University of Nairobi (UoN)
different African Governments? Each university represents some value proposition for a
country that should be the center of focus.
Prof. Göran Bondjers – Representative, University of Gothenburg
1.
Before Universities start asking for more money, there is need for proof that they are using the
money they already have in the most efficient way. This means that Universities should look
back at the value of the outcomes of the research and development work done. This brings
out the issues of quality and efficiency.
2. Universities are no-longer relevant because they are unable to react to what society needs.
This calls for creation of another type of structure informed by Government priorities.
Professor Philip Cotton – Vice Chancellor, University of Rwanda
What is the definition of public universities? What is the distinction between public and
private universities? Are Universities autonomous and independent? The quality of training
offered by both public and private universities is critical and cannot be underestimated. The
issue of pedagogy and andragogy comes into play,
Prof. Alfred Mtenje - Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Malawi
1.
On government funding, sometimes the government does not pay universities on time for the
government-sponsored students. This becomes a headache and challenge to public
universities.
2. Governments should allow some universities to be research excellence centers. Certain
institutes or centers can be made to be research intense to purely focus on research and this
will promote Research and Development.
Prof. Osman Sankoh – Executive Director –INDEPTH Network
1.
Is it the government that decides which center or institute should be research intensive? To
become a research-intensive institute, funding is necessary and this is where government
funding is required to push the research agenda forward.
2. Some of the universities are becoming innovative in terms of overhead costs. Universities will
have to consider raising funds for overhead costs because most research funding does not
cover overhead costs.
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu – Vice Chancellor, Makerere University
Universities must focus on the PhD coursework to avoid producing narrow PhDs.
Prof. Steven Tollman - Director, Agincourt
1.
Despite the very critical challenges African universities face, there are opportunities. The idea
of forming consortia is critical to deal with the challenges faced. There has to be mutual
respect and willingness to allow this happen. PhD students should be assisted to publish on
high impact journals.
2. There is need for major investments in universities with regards to research and development.
CARTA’s 2 nd Vice Chancellor’s Meeting –Report of meeting proceedings – July 10-11, 2017
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