FEATURED: Dons call for closer academia-industry ties to tackle skills mismatch challenge

The Inter-Universities Council of East Africa’s (IUCEA’s) biennial Academia-Public-Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) has earned the praise of the vice-chancellors of two regional universities. The latest edition, the 13th APPPF, took place in Kigali on March 12-14, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders. Mount Kigali University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Martin Kimemia, described the forum as a vital gathering key to finding solutions to challenges facing the region. He said: “IUCEA has been at the forefront of enhancing partnerships to address the persistent skills mismatch between university education and the evolving demands of the job market.” His Mount Kenya University (MKU) counterpart, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, said the top minds gathered at the forum shared important ideas on how to tackle this problem. Chair of the Education Sector at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Chairman of MKU’s University Council, Dr Vincent Gaitho, emphasised the need for higher education institutions to develop curricula in direct collaboration with industry stakeholders. The three dons said it was time to cultivate closer academia-industry partnerships. They urged the region’s universities to collaborate with industry when developing curricula. Additionally, they underscored the role of industry in dual training, internship, and apprenticeship. “There are many highly qualified experts in the industry, including PhD holders, who can contribute significantly to academic training. We need to involve them to make education more practical and aligned with real-world demands,” Gaitho said. He argued that universities must serve as solution providers to businesses and employers. This is especially ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the job market. During the forum, MKU’s principal for corporate services and director linkages and partnerships, Prof. Peter Wanderi, said the institution was walking the talk on academia-industry collaboration. He highlighted the initiatives both MKU and Mount Kigali University were involved in that are helping to produce graduates fit for the job market. Prof. Wanderi explained how universities can promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative. As a long-standing UNAI member, MKU previously served as the SDG 10 Hub on Reduced Inequalities (2021–2024) and has now been selected as the SDG 9 Hub Chair (2025–2027), emphasising industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The university aligns its policies, research, and community engagement with the SDGs through various initiatives. The MKU Innovation and Incubation Centre, co-sponsored by the European Union through the Erasmus Plus Programme, plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancements. The Annual Research and Innovation Week at the university provides a platform for students and faculty to engage in industry-driven research, ensuring that academic work contributes to practical solutions. Additionally, the African Center for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS) Project, a DAAD-funded programme, is instrumental in equipping students with job-ready skills to meet the demands of the evolving job market. The SDG Champions Programme has appointed 50 student leaders across various campuses, including Mount Kigali University, to promote sustainable development efforts within their academic communities. In a major expansion, Mount Kigali University has on its part embarked on two ambitious projects to enhance practical training for students. The Kigali Paramount Hotel, projected to be a four-star training facility, will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism. Meanwhile, the University Medical Centre is being developed as a teaching hospital designed to offer real-world experience for medical and healthcare students. These initiatives reflect Mount Kigali University’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

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FEATURED: Dons call for closer academia-industry ties to tackle skills mismatch challenge