A delegation from the University of the West Indies (UWI) recently visited the Vanderbijilpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU), marking a significant step forward in the relationship between the two institutions.
The delegation included Sandrea Maynard, pro-vice-chancellor for global affairs, Prof Aldrie Henry-Lee, pro-vice-chancellor for graduate studies and research, and Dr Halimah DeShong, head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies.
This visit follows after a delegation from the NWU visited the UWI and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the institution earlier this year. The MoU has already started to bear fruit, with the two institutions now exploring collaboration opportunities to strengthen existing ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Prof David Modise, executive dean of the NWU’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, says the delegation was impressed with the facilities and resources available at the NWU and expressed a keen interest in working together in areas such as research, student exchange programmes and joint academic projects.
“The NWU has a strong reputation as a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, and the visit by the UWI delegation is a clear indication of the growing interest in the institution from international partners,” says Prof Modise.
He adds that the collaboration between the two institutions is expected to lead to a range of benefits, including increased academic opportunities for students and faculty, the sharing of research expertise, and the development of joint projects that will benefit both institutions and their respective communities.
Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, says the successful visit by the UWI delegation is a testament to the strength of the partnership between the two institutions and the commitment of both parties to work together to achieve their shared goals.
"This collaboration is a significant milestone for the NWU, and a testament to the NWU's commitment to higher education in South Africa and beyond.”
