DUT, Somali National University join forces

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the Somali National University (SNU) recently signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic collaboration at the Council Chamber, ML Sultan Campus.

The agreement is aimed at providing co-operation on academic activities between DUT and SNU that will strengthen mutual understanding. It will also foster friendly co-operation and promote sustainable and productive academic collaboration. There will be exchange between faculty, students and research of both universities in integrated learning programmes, said Wiseman Jack from DUT’s International Education and Partnerships directorate.

Mr Jack facilitated the signing ceremony and shared his excitement on the partnership between DUT and SNU. He said he is confident that the relationship will be mutually beneficial to both universities.

Carol Newman, the International Education Officer, provided an overview of DUT and what the university offers. She also shared the ENVISION2030 strategy and DUT’s current rankings and accolades when compared to other universities in the world. Ms Newman highlighted opportunities for engagement with the International Education and Partnerships (IEP) office such as Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL); virtual webinars, research seminars, internationalisation of advisory boards, collaborative qualifications and staff and student exchanges.

Addressing the audience, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola welcomed SNU Rector, Professor Hassan Omar Mahadallah and Abdi Hirsi, the Cultural Attache from the Embassy of Somalia in Pretoria.

“This collaboration will enable us to explore areas of synergy. I suggest that the two universities explore sustainable development and environmental conservation, water resource management and infrastructure development, healthcare community work (public health, innovation healthcare, prevention, and disease surveillance), educational exchange programmes, and technology and innovation,” said Professor Nemavhola.

SNU rector, Professor Mahadallah highlighted that SNU has a Public Health faculty and hoped DUT could assist in strengthening it. Other areas that SNU needed assistance in included grant writing and grant management, maritime studies as well as educating researchers on how to convert their research for commercial purposes.

“SNU was established in 1950 and is the oldest Somalian university which currently has 12 faculties,” said Professor Mahadallah. “I can assure DUT of SNU’s commitment to the collaboration and vow to follow up on this MoU to ensure that it succeeds.”