NEW BEGINNINGS: UL Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, formalise a working academic relationship with Dr Zafar Ibragimov, Vice- Rector for Research and Innovation at Urgench University from Asia. Photos: Frans Nkhapele
By Reuben Maake – reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) has entered into a multi-programme partnership with Urgench University in Uzbekistan, concentrating on key research areas such as mathematics, applied mathematics, and languages
The collaboration will involve the co-supervision of PhD students and joint initiatives across various academic programmes.
This partnership is anticipated to broaden UL’s international presence through student and staff exchanges in Central Asia. It will facilitate the exchange of faculty members, researchers, and students, alongside joint research, lectures, and collaborative PhD programmes.
Professor Nonceba Mbambo-Kekana, Director for International Affairs at UL, highlighted the significance of this agreement in advancing the University’s research and internationalisation efforts. “This partnership will increase the number of international strategic collaborations at the University, enabling joint research and exchange programmes,” she stated.
Dr Zafar Ibragimov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Urgench University, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “We chose UL because of its strong and appealing programme qualification mix, which is inclusive and deeply rooted in strong African values embedded in its core mission.”
Tebogo Mothiba, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships at UL, emphasised the importance of this collaboration in enhancing UL’s global standing. She noted that the University is integrating entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and postgraduate support as key areas for collaboration. “Through our entrepreneurship programme, we plan to establish an African institute to support our initiatives,” she added.
Prof Mothiba also highlighted UL’s research ambitions, “UL currently has 61 rated researchers, and we aim to increase this number to 70 by the end of 2025. The University seeks to enhance research output by strengthening methodologies, improving doctoral quality, and building research laboratories.”
Representatives from UL’s four faculties outlined key research areas for collaboration. The Faculty of Humanities has identified language studies as a priority and has already begun engagements with Urgench University regarding PhD supervision. Professor Lesibana Rafapa, Research Professor in the Faculty of Humanities, stated that their focus is on language promotion, the role of media in society, and social justice.
Prof Samuel Koma from the Faculty of Management and Law explained that their research centres on entrepreneurship, legal justice, development, and management, with outputs published in high-impact journals.
The Faculty of Science and Agriculture is prioritising research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in achieving zero hunger. Acting Dean Professor Leseilane Mampuru highlighted plans to collaborate on renewable energy, data science, and artificial intelligence. To further enhance research, the faculty has acquired two research chairs dedicated to renewable energy.
Faculty deans at UL exchange gifts with delegation from Urgench University upon signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on various programmes.
This partnership represents a significant advancement in UL’s commitment to global academic collaboration, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange between Africa and Central Asia.