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21 DUT Excellence 2025 | Semester 1In a significant step towards promoting collaborative research and innovation, a senior Durban University of Technology (DUT) delegation visited Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria in March 2025, where they were warmly received by esteemed leaders in academia.The visit highlighted DUT%u2019s commitment to meaningful continental collaborations, with Faculty of Management Sciences Executive Dean Professor Fulufhelo Netswera representing the DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola and leading the delegation. OAU%u2019s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Yomi Daramola, welcomed the DUT delegation alongside university leaders Professor Ebun Adejuyigbe, Executive Director of the Central Office of Research; Professor Yinka Adesian, Chairman of the Committee of Deans; and Professor Babajide Odu, Director of the University Research Office at OAU.During the engagements, Professor Daramola emphasised that DUT%u2019s strong presence at OAU symbolised an intentional and strategic approach to securing long-term partnerships. The discussions reinforced the importance of South-South collaboration, with a shared vision of African-led innovation and research excellence.A unifying sentiment echoed throughout the deliberations: %u201cIt is DUT STRENGTHENS AFRICAN ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPSWITH LANDMARK VISIT TO OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITYtime for us to take the driving seat and shape our own future.%u201d This powerful statement underscored the belief that partnerships within Africa hold the key to real and lasting transformation.A defining moment of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in strengthening the academic alliance between DUT and OAU. This formal agreement paves the way for increased research collaboration, student and staff exchanges and joint initiatives aimed at advancing knowledge production and impactful scholarship. The ceremony was further enriched by an exchange of gifts, symbolising the beginning of a dynamic and fruitful relationship.Professor Nemavhola said, %u201cDUT is excited about the journey ahead with OAU, collaborating to advance knowledge production, increase research impact and make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of the African continent. This partnership reinforces DUT%u2019s standing as a leading institution dedicated to shaping the future of African higher education. We remain committed to driving innovation, research and collaboration to address local, continental and global challenges, aligned with the objectives of our ENVISION2030 strategy.%u201d#DUTwestAfrica25 #DUTnigeria25Alan KhanPictured: DUT delegation visited Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Nigeria to advance research, innovation and collaboration.