UNIMA VC ATTENDS 9TH INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION YOUTH FORUM
One of the strategies that the University of Malawi is aggressively pursuing as part of its internationalization drive is the engagement with various academics in the diaspora. This was one of the key messages that Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Professor Samson Sajidu, stressed during his speech as guest of honour at the 2023 International Youth Forum (IYF), in Busan, South Korea, which is ongoing from 16th to 23rd July, 2023.
The invitation of UNIMA’s Vice Chancellor at one of the most prestigious global education fora demonstrates the institution’s international recognition as an equal player in the provision of international higher education (IHE).
In his presentation, entitled “Internationalising our education system through exchange programmes: A case study of University of Malawi”, Professor Sajidu further highlighted that most of the challenges faced by youth in Malawi may partly be attributed to lack of international exposure during their formal education years. He observed that limited international exposure, obtained largely through social media and television, is usually not a true representation of cultures in other countries.
“In order to reap maximum benefits that add value to the core business of UNIMA from internationally exposed and experienced academics including Malawians in the diaspora, the University has developed strategies on engaging them to assist in areas like external examination moderation, participation in the organization of international workshops/seminars/meetings/conferences, short-term teaching engagements, joint research and publishing, among others”, Prof. Sajidu said.
He informed the audience that UNIMA has developed a framework in line with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to ease the mobility of students which includes systems for credit transfers from accredited and recognised institutions within the global village.
The function culminated in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The MoUs with global universities address issues ranging from student and staff exchange programmes, collaborative research projects, and joint degree programmes, among others.
The IYF was founded in 1995 to advance formal discussions on youth issues and development. It has hosted annual Ministers of Youth World Forums and World Education Leaders Forums since 2011. The annual event has so far attracted 203 Ministers of Youth as well as 388 education leaders from 32 countries. The 2023 IYF has expanded with the inclusion of all levels of educators from over 60 countries holding annual events in its 219 branches in 98 countries across the globe.