Prof. Ngozi Joe-Ikechebelu Benchmarking Visit

Prof. Ngozi Joe-Ikechebelu from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Nigeria, visited Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and MAT Abacus Business School as part of a benchmarking and collaborative exchange under the DESIRED Project.

During her visit, she attended the 10th Annual Accounting Students Association of Makerere University (ASAMU) Summit held at the MUBS Digital Lab, where she delivered an engaging address on the importance of reskilling and upskilling for today’s professionals. She emphasized that in an ever-evolving job market, reskilling enables graduates to adapt to changing industry demands, while upskilling equips them for career advancement and leadership opportunities. She further expressed optimism about strengthening partnerships and collaborations between Nigerian and Ugandan institutions to promote shared learning and regional academic growth.

While at Makerere University Business School, Prof. Ngozi met with Prof. Mindra Rachel Katorogo, the Deputy Principal of MUBS, who provided an overview of the School’s contribution to business education and its pivotal role in shaping competent, industry-ready graduates. Prof. Mindra highlighted MUBS’s competence-based learning approach, which prioritizes the acquisition of practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge an approach aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Higher Education Guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The Deputy Principal also welcomed the prospect of deepening institutional collaboration between MUBS and COOU, beginning with academic exchange programs for lecturers and teaching staff. Plans are also underway to jointly develop a course in Health Management, coordinated between the two institutions, further advancing cross-border knowledge sharing and curriculum innovation.

She also visited MAT ABACUS Business School and met with some of the project members Mr. Jude Muhumuza and Miss Francesca Amuge who gave her a tour of the business school. They also underscored the need for future collaborations in research and practical accounting education.

Prof. Ngozi’s visit reaffirmed the DESIRED Project’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that enhance employability, promote Work-Integrated Learning, and strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions in Africa.