Ndejje University’s digital landscape has taken a significant leap forward thanks to the dedication and hard work of two key team leaders from Directorate for ICT support: Mr. Jason Mutumba, Infrastructure and Network, and Mr. Walusimbi Allan, (Academic Information Systems). Both recently participated in the prestigious “Digital Skills for Universities’ Transformation Towards Quality Education Experience” training, a vital program designed to equip university staff with cutting-edge digital tools and techniques for enhancing educational quality.
The training, held from July 4 to July 5, 2024, at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Kampala, was an intensive two-day, full-time, in-person experience. This was followed by an online component from July 15 to August 8, 2024, which allowed participants to continue their learning journey at their own pace. The online training, although self-paced, required a commitment of two to three hours per day, offering flexibility while ensuring a deep understanding of the material.
The training covered several critical areas that are essential for modern universities striving to stay ahead in the digital age. Mr. Mutumba and Mr. Walusimbi, along with participants from other leading universities, delved into the practical aspects of using and operating Learning Management Systems (LMS). They also learned how to seamlessly integrate LMS with university teaching and learning materials, a skill that is increasingly vital as more institutions turn to digital platforms for educational delivery.
In addition to mastering LMS, the participants were trained in utilizing digital management systems for university administration and e-learning resources. This training is particularly important for institutions like Ndejje University, which is committed to providing top-tier education by leveraging technology to improve administrative efficiency and the overall learning experience. Furthermore, the training emphasized the application of cloud and identity services, the employment of security services, and the support of IT infrastructure—all of which are critical components in building a robust and secure digital environment for both staff and students.
What sets this training apart is its affiliation with the broader “Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA)” initiative. This regional project is focused on enhancing the digital skills of youth across East Africa, with a particular emphasis on building capacity, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and providing short-term training that meets the digital transformation needs of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States. Ndejje University’s participation, as the only private university among its peers, underscores its commitment to remaining at the forefront of educational innovation in the region.
This training, part of the EAC Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA) project, was implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA). The training sessions were conducted by Wins Global Consult GmbH in partnership with BlackIn Tech gUG, ensuring that participants received top-tier instruction from leading experts in the field.
With the knowledge and skills gained from this training, Mr. Mutumba and Mr. Walusimbi are now better equipped to drive Ndejje University’s digital transformation efforts, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and administration at the university. Their participation in this initiative not only benefits Ndejje University but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering digital innovation and excellence across East Africa.
