education 8 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nigeria offers free academic expertise to Ugandan universities
Nigeria has extended an offer to provide its highly qualified university professors to Ugandan institutions through a technical assistance program, aiming to bolster the nation's higher education sector without incurring costs for the host government. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nigeria-offers-free-university-professors-to-boost-uganda-s-higher-education-sector-5625234
Uganda’s higher education sector is set to receive a significant boost through a unique initiative by Nigeria, which is offering its experienced university professors as volunteer lecturers to Ugandan institutions.
The Nigerian High Commission in Uganda is actively encouraging public universities to tap into the National Technical Assistance and Cooperation Scheme. This program, a key component of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy, dispatches qualified academic staff to partner institutions abroad.
Under the scheme, the Nigerian government fully covers the visiting professors’ salaries, allowances, and airfare. Ugandan universities are only required to provide for local expenses such as accommodation, medical care, utilities, and meals, significantly reducing the financial burden of faculty development.
Higher education administrators in Uganda have lauded the program for its dual benefit of lowering training expenditures while simultaneously enhancing the quality of instruction. Dr. Kasule Twaha Ahmed, Director of the IUIU Kampala Campus, highlighted how this initiative bypasses the substantial costs previously associated with sending local faculty for advanced studies abroad.
“This program provides us with ready-made professionals who are prepared to impart advanced skills directly to our students,” Dr. Kasule stated. “These academics are well-traveled, highly exposed, and possess extensive teaching experience. They bring expertise that immediately enriches our academic departments.”
Kabale University’s program coordinator, Ms. Olivia Arinaitwe, also credited the presence of Nigerian scholars for the institution’s recent academic advancements and increased research output. She noted their contribution to teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Misitura Abdulraheem, emphasized that Nigeria’s faculty capacity is substantial, with over 300 public and private universities available to draw from. She also cautioned the visiting academics to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes targeting foreign nationals during their stay.
While the program is open to developing nations globally, Ugandan public institutions have been slow to adopt it, with only the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Kabale University being primary beneficiaries to date. Private institutions like Cavendish University and Kampala International University have also participated.