Page 25 - Demo

23 DUT Excellence 2025 | Semester 1the history and evolution of the TTU-DUT partnership, which underscored the strength, progress and future possibilities of this growing relationship.The programme continued with a series of presentations by the DUT delegation, showcasing the University%u2019s academic offerings and strategic focus areas. Speakers included Dr N.H. Mthombeni, Interim Director of Research and Postgraduate Support; Dr L. Samuels, Director of International Education and Partnerships; and Executive Deans Prof S. Rathilal (Engineering and the Built Environment), Prof G. Mchunu (Health Sciences) and Prof S. Singh (Applied Sciences). Each presenter outlined opportunities for collaborative research and academic development, while also sharing current research projects and areas of interest.Prof A.T. Agbenyegah provided an update on ongoing projects, which was followed by a thought-provoking public lecture delivered by Prof F. Netswera, Executive Dean of DUT%u2019s Faculty of Management Sciences. He reflected on the depth of expertise and shared commitment to advance higher education across both institutions.There was also a vibrant discussion with DUT students, many of whom are TTU staff members, creating a valuable space for dialogue around student experiences, mobility and the future of African higher education.The DUT-TTU engagement was a remarkable day of connection, vision and shared purpose. It further solidified the foundation for ongoing academic cooperation, research partnerships and student and staff capacity building, demonstrating the power ofPan-African collaboration in shaping the future of higher education.The DUT delegation continued its strategic visit to the University of Ibadan (UI) in Nigeria, where they were welcomed by senior leadership. The visit marked the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at strengthening research collaborations, academic exchange and strategic alliances between the two universities.The DUT delegation was received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof P.O. Olapegba FNPA; along with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Aderonke M. Baiyeroju; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships) Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, FCIArb; and Registrar Mr G.O. Saliu, MANUPA, MNIM, MAUA; as well as Deans and other senior executives from UI. Their warm reception underscored the spirit of unity and collaboration.Professor Netswera highlighted the purpose of the visit, emphasising DUT%u2019s commitment to international partnerships that drives impactful research and meaningful academic exchange. He spoke about the value of collaboration in addressing global challenges and harnessing the strengths of both institutions to advance higher education on the African continent.Professor Olapegba expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, reinforcing UI%u2019s dedication to promoting global alliances that enrich the academic experience for students and researchers.The highlight of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between DUT and UI. This agreement, signed by Professor Netswera and Professor Olapegba, cemented a commitment to collaborate on research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges and innovative academic programmes that will benefit communities in South Africa, Nigeria and beyond.The visit not only signified a formal agreement but also a shared vision of African universities working together to shape a brighter future through education, research and innovation.Dr N.H. Mthombeni/Alan Khan