Using plant growth-promoting microorganisms to address food sustainability

Maize production and mining are essential for the economy of the North West Province, and researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are now looking at how microorganisms can protect maize from climate challenges and mining by-products.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and two PhD graduates, Saheed Adekunle Akinola and Dr Ayansina…

Tree plantations are harming ecosystems

Replacing native forests with tree plantations is harming the soil at a microbial level by having an impact on soil fertility and the health of the planet. This is one of the conclusions of North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola – who along with Dr Adenike Eunice Amoo – recently conducted ground-breaking research…

NWU animal health hospital bolsters service offerings

As of 1 June, animal owners living within a 25-kilometre radius of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus can look forward to more services from the institution’s animal hospital.

The Dale Bieghle Animal Health Hospital, as it is formally known, is…

New discovery lands NWU researcher a spot in top science publication

When magnetic fields and long strokes of hot gas known as jets interact, the jets become bent. This is an important discovery and, for his contribution to it, Prof James O Chibueze has earned a space in the prestigious research publication Nature.

NWU researcher excels in a male-dominated research area

Ntokozo Happy Msiza, a North-West University (NWU) researcher and PhD student in the subject group Animal Sciences, has broken new ground when she completed a MSc degree in pasture science, a scarce skill and male-dominated field of study.

When…

The link between industrial engineering and the agricultural sector

The agricultural industry is facing numerous and significant challenges.  To remain competitive and sustainable, it needs to find ways to constantly improve. 

Industrial engineering can address a number of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector,  but due to the lack of…

Government commits to find solutions for unemployed IKS graduates

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has expressed government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to find solutions to unemployment for graduates within the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) sector.

The Minister was speaking at a two-day virtual summit hosted by North-West…

Mother and son doing first year at university together

With a 25-year age gap between them, mother and son Susan and Janu Fouche have both been accepted to do their first year at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

Forty-three-year-old Susan is studying towards a social work qualification, while her 18-year-old son is pursuing a degree in computer and…

NWU rewards exceptional lecturers

​The North-West University (NWU) celebrated the torchbearers of its teaching excellence during a virtual event. The best-of-the-best lecturers of 2020 were acknowledged for their work in taking teaching and learning to higher levels during the annual Teaching Excellence Award (TEA) ceremony, which was streamed online on 25 March. The NWU is…

NWU researcher collaborates in international fungi study

The fungus that spoils bread does not work alone. It has guests hidden deep within its cells – bacteria – with whom it has a mutually beneficial relationship that can be positive or negative for humans. Understanding and modifying this relationship can have a profound impact on the food, medical and agricultural industries. This is the focus of…