Academic

Fortunate’s passion for herpetology takes him to Brazil

Postdoctoral researcher Fortunate Mafeta Phaka recently represented the North-West University (NWU) at the 10th Brazilian Herpetology Congress that took place in Porto Seguro.

This is the largest herpetology event in Brazil, bringing together researchers, students and professionals in the field to discuss the latest discoveries and trends. The event featured lectures, short courses, presentations, symposiums, exhibitions and much more.

Submitted on Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:13

Exploring active learning: New book paves the way for self-directed learning in the 4IR

As the world undergoes rapid technological and societal transformations, educational institutions face the urgent need to reimagine their teaching and learning methodologies.

In the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), an online open-access book titled Problem-based Learning and Pedagogies of Play: Active Approaches Towards Self-Directed is Learning explores active learning.

Submitted on Thu, 10/05/2023 - 11:26

Nigeria is facing an impending implosion

  • Contrary to the general belief that Nigeria is the giant of Africa, incessant violence and armed conflicts have drastically reduced the influence of Nigeria on the continent.
  • Despite its huge resources, the country still suffers from poverty, inequality, unemployment, insecurity, corruption, high fuel and commodity prices, and other political and economic hardships.
  • The biggest threats to Nigeria’s stability include bad governance, electoral mal-practices, corruption, economic hardship, inflation, terrorism, kidnapping, and ethnic divisions.

It is one o

Submitted on Wed, 10/04/2023 - 08:34

NWU improves its teaching in rankings

Times Higher Education (THE) has ranked the North-West University (NWU) among the top seven local universities in their latest World University Rankings.

The ranking agency released the rankings for their 2023 cycle on 27 September. It places the NWU in the 601 to 800 category - the same as in last year’s ranking.

Compared to last year, the NWU improved its placing overall in the teaching, industry income and international outlook areas.

Submitted on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 08:03

Prof Beiter puts academic freedom violations under the spotlight

by  Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) academic from the Faculty of Law, Prof Klaus Beiter recently presented a talk at the Annual Association of Human Rights Institutes (AHRI) Network Conference in Bilbao, Spain.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Human rights defenders under siege”.

Prof Beiter says human rights defenders are people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights in a peaceful manner, often risking their lives or livelihoods.

Submitted on Fri, 09/29/2023 - 08:22

Community engagement is his passion

Prof Aaron Tshidzumba, deputy dean for community engagement, business development and stakeholder relations in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Humanities, has made substantial contributions to his field of expertise and the growth of the university.

As an associate professor, he teaches broadcasting, journalism, and corporate and development communication. His academic journey reflects his passion for exploring the intricate nuances of language, culture and communication.

Submitted on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:58

Engineers on track to take local innovations to Cybathlon in Switzerland

Zürich 2024, here we come, complete with a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg and wheelchair.

Headed by the formidable North-West University (NWU) team of Prof André Grobler and Ian Thomson from the Faculty of Engineering and Dr Mark Kramer from Health Sciences, the innovators are preparing to take the fruits of their research and designs in digital health to the international stage.

They will be competing at the 2024 Cybathlon competition* in Switzerland. This competition, in the form of a gruelling race, will take place in Kloten near Zürich in October next year.

Submitted on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:38