UWI and North-West University Strengthen Partnership
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies has hailed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Africa’s North-West University as “historic and emotional”.
Close Bond and Shared Aspirations
Commenting on the partnership between The UWI and North-West University, he referenced the Caribbean’s close bond with South Africa, saying, “…we were in the trenches with you in the fight against Apartheid”.
Similarities between the Universities
Vice-Chancellor Beckles pointed to similarities between the two universities being multi-campus academies, noting that The UWI serves across five campuses and North-West possesses three. He also noted similarities between the demographic and student population size as well as the universities’ commitment to quality delivery and formal global institutional accreditation.
MOU Establishes Framework for Collaboration
The MOU established a framework for collaboration between the two institutions for activities such as exchanges of students and academic staff, capacity building, joint research, publications, seminars, conferences, public lectures and the development and delivery of courses.
Shared Goals and Aspirations
Professor Bismark Tyobeka, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of North-West University said that his university was “proud to be associated with The UWI, which shared similar aspirations to be a world-class university with significant global ranking”.
About North-West University
North-West University was formed in 2004 by the merger of the historically black university of the North-West, the Sebokeng Campus of the historically black Vista University and the historically white Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. Its formation in the post-South Africa- Apartheid is seen as “a strong symbolic act of reconciliation and nation building”.
Conclusion
The partnership between The University of the West Indies and North-West University marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of relationships between the Caribbean and South Africa. Both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and quality delivery, and this MOU will enable them to work together towards achieving their shared goals.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the MOU?
- What are the similarities between the two universities?
- What does this partnership mean for the universities?
To establish a framework for collaboration between the two institutions for activities such as exchanges of students and academic staff, capacity building, joint research, publications, seminars, conferences, public lectures and the development and delivery of courses.
The two universities are both multi-campus academies, with similar demographics and student population sizes. They also share a commitment to quality delivery and formal global institutional accreditation.
This partnership will enable the two universities to work together towards achieving their shared goals, including academic excellence and quality delivery. It will also provide opportunities for student and staff exchanges, joint research and the development of new courses.