Makerere University received a valuable donation on October 6, 2023. An 86-inch interactive smart board/screen was gifted to the university by Naechstenliebe, a German charity organization. The generous donation was facilitated by Dr. John Bosco Nyanzi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis within the College of Business and Management Sciences. This state-of-the-art smart board/screen is expected to revolutionize the teaching and learning experience at Makerere University, providing a highly interactive and engaging platform for both students and lecturers.
Dr. Nyanzi’s commitment to enhancing education and technology access at his alma mater is evident through this remarkable donation. Naechstenliebe has also pledged to continue supporting Makerere University’s teaching and learning infrastructure by donating a total of 10 smart boards over the next five years.
During the official unveiling of the smart board at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), expressed his gratitude to Dr. Nyanzi for his dedicated efforts in resource mobilization for the university. Prof. Kakumba highlighted the importance of this smart board in promoting innovative teaching and learning, aligning perfectly with the university’s ICT strategy. He believes that equipment like this, which fosters interactive learning, will play a pivotal role in transforming Makerere University into a modern 21st-century institution.
Furthermore, Prof. Kakumba assured Dr. Nyanzi of the management’s support in acquiring more such equipment and acknowledged his unwavering commitment to improving the educational experience within the university. He emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration between faculty and donors to ensure the university’s continuous growth and development. Prof. Kakumba concluded by stating that the addition of the smart board brings Makerere University one step closer to achieving its goal of becoming a leading institution in innovative education.
Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal of CoBAMS, also praised the donation, highlighting its potential to enhance PhD and Masters training. He emphasized that this contribution arrives at a crucial time as the university transitions into blended learning and learner-centered pedagogy. Prof. Hisali pointed out that the smart board will greatly improve the interactive and collaborative learning experience for postgraduate students, enabling them to engage more actively in their research and coursework. He also underlined the importance of integrating technology into teaching to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global job market, aligning with the university’s commitment to providing quality education.
Adding to the accolades, Prof. Paul Muyinda, the Director of IoDEL, commended Dr. Nyanzi’s dedication and success as a faculty member. Prof. Muyinda emphasized the vital role faculty members like Dr. Nyanzi play in contributing to the institution’s growth. He concluded by expressing his belief that such faculty members are instrumental in shaping the future of the institution and providing valuable opportunities for postgraduate students through their collaborative and supportive efforts.