The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University bid farewell to four Nigerian academics who successfully completed a two-year placement under the Nigerian National Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) volunteer scheme.
The scholars, Prof. Isa Abdul Anakobe, Prof. Ekpe Unwana Macaulay, Dr. Murtala Anumu Baba, and Dr. Abdullahi Nafu Zadawa, were honored during a farewell dinner held at the Makerere University Guest House on October 29, 2026. The event brought together college leaders, academic staff, and colleagues to celebrate their contributions to teaching, mentorship, research, and capacity building at the university.
The four academics were deployed to Uganda through the Nigerian National Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), a longstanding international cooperation program that sends highly qualified Nigerian professionals to partner countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The initiative aims to promote technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and human resource development through the sharing of expertise in education, science, engineering, and other strategic sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the college management, Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of CEDAT, applauded the scholars for their dedication and service. He noted that their presence had strengthened academic cooperation between Uganda and Nigeria while creating opportunities for future collaboration between institutions in both countries.
Departmental leaders reflected on the circumstances that led to the partnership, noting that the college had experienced significant staffing gaps as many lecturers pursued doctoral studies. The deployment of the Nigerian academics came at a critical time, helping the college maintain teaching programs, supervise students, and sustain key academic activities.
Participants praised the scholars for their professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to student success. Colleagues described them as dependable mentors whose contributions extended beyond the lecture room to include research support, academic guidance, and institutional development. Their willingness to share knowledge and engage with students and staff was highlighted as one of the program’s greatest successes. The gathering also underscored the broader value of international academic exchanges. Speakers observed that the collaboration had enabled staff and students from both countries to better understand each other’s cultures, challenge misconceptions, and appreciate the diversity of African academic systems. Many participants expressed hope that Makerere University and Nigerian institutions would continue to expand such exchange programs in the future
Discussions during the evening also touched on issues affecting higher education across the continent, including differences in postgraduate admission requirements and how these may influence student enrollment, progression, and graduation rates. Participants emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration among African universities to address common academic challenges.
As the four scholars return to Nigeria, colleagues expressed gratitude for their service and wished them success in their future endeavors. The farewell ceremony reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships in advancing higher education, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening academic and research capacity across Africa.
Their legacy at CEDAT stands as a testament to the enduring value of Uganda-Nigeria cooperation and the transformative impact of knowledge exchange on universities and communities alike.