Makerere University was gifted an advanced 86-inch interactive smart board/screen on October 6, 2023, by the German charity organization Naechstenliebe. Dr. John Bosco Nyanzi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at the College of Business and Management Sciences, facilitated the donation. This cutting-edge smart board/screen is set to elevate the teaching and learning experience at the university, offering students and educators an interactive and engaging platform. Dr. Nyanzi’s dedication to enhancing education and technology access at Makerere University is demonstrated through this generous donation. Naechstenliebe has committed to providing ten smart boards over the next five years to support the university’s teaching and learning infrastructure.
During the smart board unveiling ceremony at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Nyanzi for his resource mobilization efforts. Prof. Kakumba highlighted that the smart board aligns with the university’s ICT strategy, fostering innovative teaching and learning methods. He emphasized that such technology promotes interactive learning and positions the university as a 21st-century institution. Prof. Kakumba also pledged management’s support for acquiring more similar equipment and commended Dr. Nyanzi’s dedication to enhancing the educational experience at Makerere University.
Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal of CoBAMS, welcomed the smart board as a valuable addition to PhD and Masters training, especially as the university transitions to blended learning and learner-centered pedagogy. Prof. Hisali underscored how the smart board enhances interactive and collaborative learning for postgraduate students, empowering them to actively engage in their research and coursework. He noted that integrating technology into teaching aligns with the university’s commitment to providing quality education that prepares students for the evolving global job market.
Furthermore, Prof. Paul Muyinda, the Director of IoDEL, praised Dr. Nyanzi’s contributions and highlighted the significance of faculty members like him in the university’s growth. Prof. Muyinda emphasized that fostering a collaborative and supportive academic environment is crucial, with faculty members playing a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s future and offering valuable opportunities for postgraduate students.