[Press Release] RUFORUM Delegation Meets the Minister of Higher Education and Other Government Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Cotonou 30^th November 2021: The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) delegation had today a dinner meeting with the DRC Minister of Higher Education and his delegation for informal discussions about the arrangements of the RUFORUM Triennial Conference and the status and future perspective of the Ministry in enhancing quality education on the vast central African countries. The RUFORUM Delegation, led by Professor Adipala Ekwamu, the Executive Secretary, briefed the delegation about the triennial conference 2021 hosted by Beninese Government through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, working with RUFORUM member universities in Benin; University of Abomey Calavi, National University of Agriculture, and University of Parakou. Prof Adipala shared the programme of the conference with the Hon. Minister of Higher Education of DR Congo Mr. Muhindo Nzangi.

Professor Adipala Ekwamu, was accompanied by Dr Florence Nakayiwa (Deputy Executive Secretary), Dr Anthony Egeru (Manager of Training and Community Development), Dr Francis Otto (Manager of Knowledge Hub), Ms. Judith Nakyobe (Manager of Finance and Administration), and Prof Majaliwa Mwanjalolo (Manager RANCH). Prof Adipala thanked the Government of DRC for signing the RUFORUM charter, and for supporting the RUFORUM member universities in the DR Congo and for attending this conference.

The Minister of Higher Education, Mr Muhindo Nzangi expressed his happiness for the role RUFORUM is playing in supporting the transformation process of Africa and the support of Higher Education in the DR Congo. He expressed the commitment of the Government of DR Congo to facilitate the establishment of Regional Anchor Universities for strengthening human capacity in the country, working toward strengthening the TVET, for youth development and employability. He further committed to urge other Universities in DR Congo to join the RUFORUM network.

The conference will run from the 06^th to 10^th December, 2021 at Palais des Congres in Cotonou under the theme “Operationalising Higher Education for Innovation, Industrialisation, Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Development in Africa: A Call for Action”.