Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 7: In a landmark development for international collaboration in education, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and The Open University of Kenya (OUK) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of William Samoei Ruto, Kenyan President and the PM of India, Narendra Modi by the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education, Kenya, and Prof Nageshwar Rao, Vice Chancellor IGNOU.
In a strategic MoU, the Open University of Kenya (OUK) and IGNOU are set to enhance collaboration across various domains. The key points include facilitating student and faculty mobility, incorporating cutting-edge technology for teaching and learning, capacity-building programs for OUK staff, curriculum development aligned with market needs, sharing expertise in e-learning platforms, joint research and development initiatives, assistance in policy framework creation, support for new program development, and sharing educational resources.
OUK may also seek academic and financial support from IGNOU for specific initiatives, with potential collaboration through EdCIL for long-term benefits.
The Kenyan delegates also visited the Electronic Media Production Center (EMPC) of IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi and appreciated the initiatives of the University.
The MoU signing marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between these prestigious institutions, with the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, and the Vice-Chancellor of OUK, Prof Elijah Omwenga, joining the leaders for the signing ceremony.
“This collaboration represents a commitment to advancing education, fostering international cooperation, and creating opportunities for students in developing countries. Both institutions look forward to a fruitful partnership that will pave way for a brighter future in education and technological advancements”, said Dr Jai Prakash Verma, Regional Director RC Jammu.
Prof Uma Kanjilal, Pro Vice-Chancellor; Prof Dr Srikant Mohapatra, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Prof Sumitra Kukreti, Pro-Vice Chancellor and other key officials were also present at the signing ceremony from the IGNOU side.