Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has attributed his Africa Leadership Magazine’s 2025 African Educationist of the Year award to the university’s transformation under his leadership.
He believes that the significant changes, particularly the transition into a research-intensive and research-led university, administrative and governance reforms, and innovations, prompted voters in Africa and beyond to consider him for the award.
Addressing journalists at the university, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the institution’s shift from a riot-prone environment to a hub of innovation and research.
“As you all remember, Makerere University was mostly known for riots and if you typed the word Makerere in Google, the first picture was of students with branches and the matching. But now when you go to Google, you see different innovations and research that are going on. The students are now talking positively about their own university, unlike in the past,” he said.
He credited transformations in teaching, which have improved the university’s rankings, and emphasized the importance of funding research and innovation to create job opportunities and solve societal problems.
“There are also transformations in teaching. We had been ranked very low in the teaching over many years but finally, we are among the top universities,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude for the government’s support, noting that Makerere receives about $8 million annually for research, enabling researchers and students to produce cutting-edge innovations. He appealed for increased funding, citing President Museveni’s pledge to support the university.
“We need funds to provide the facilities and the environment for these young people who have got great ideas to conduct research and innovation here,” he said.
He commended the strong partnership between Makerere University and Kiira Motors, focusing on sustainable transport and innovation, and thanked Ugandans and Africans for their support, which helped him win the award for the third time.
The award followed a three-stage process involving public nominations, editorial review, and a global online poll, recognizing leaders whose vision and innovative actions are shaping Africa’s development trajectory.