December 16, 2024 (University of Djibouti, Djibouti): The fourth meeting of the Board of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Universities (Council of Higher Education) Forum convened at the University of Djibouti, Djibouti. This two-day meeting aimed to provide insights for the selection of the second round of candidates for the IGAD Scholarship Programme, which had been delayed due to technical and financial challenges.
On behalf of IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Madam Fathia Alwan, Director of the Health and Social Development Division, addressed the gathering. She highlighted the symbolic and strategic importance of hosting the 4th meeting of the IGAD Council of Universities at the University of Djibouti, a beacon of knowledge and national academic excellence. She emphasised the role of universities in fostering inter-academic dialogue as a means to deepen regional integration.
Madam Alwan further noted the devastating impact of the conflict in Sudan, describing it as one of the deadliest of the century, with extensive loss of life and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including universities, research centres, and hospitals. “IGAD remains committed to strengthening the role of universities in regional integration, peacebuilding, job creation, and promoting livelihoods through entrepreneurial activities,” she added.
Dr Hassan Ali Barkad, Director of the Doctoral School at the University of Djibouti, underscored the IGAD Council of Higher Education’s role as a critical platform for promoting cooperation among universities and addressing the urgent educational needs of displaced populations. “The decisions we make and the recommendations we put forth today will shape not only the academic futures of countless individuals but also the broader development trajectory of our region. This underscores the significance of our deliberations and shared commitment,” Dr Hassan remarked.
Mr Samatar Natalis, GIZ Team Leader of the SIMPI Programme, highlighted GIZ’s longstanding partnership with IGAD. With support from BMZ, GIZ aligns its efforts with the objectives of this forum. He emphasised, “Our contribution to the development and implementation of the IGAD Qualifications Framework reflects our commitment to fostering quality education as a vital driver of sustainable development and regional integration. GIZ and the SIMPI Programme are dedicated to supporting IGAD and its partners in achieving their educational vision.”
Dr Kebede Tsegaye, Senior Coordinator of IGAD’s Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Programme, elaborated on IGAD’s efforts to coordinate and leverage the knowledge potential of higher learning institutions. He highlighted the implementation of the IGAD Regional Scholarship Programme and the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework. Dr Tsegaye also reminded attendees that the Board is mandated to coordinate the regional contributions of higher education institutions and to advise IGAD on matters of inclusive education for refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities, with a particular focus on gender equality and inclusion in tertiary education.
The meeting brought together members of the Board, including representatives from the University of Djibouti, Jigjiga University, University of Nairobi, Somali National University, University of Juba, Makerere University, University of Khartoum, International University of Africa, and Ahfad University for Women. Also in attendance were representatives from GIZ and the IGAD Secretariat. The meeting’s budget was funded by the EU-INTPA as part of its programme on delivering durable solutions to forced displacement.
The fourth meeting of the Board of the IGAD Council of Higher Education generated critical insights into the selection process for the next round of scholarship beneficiaries. It also fostered a clear understanding of scholarship allocations among member universities and provided recommendations for implementing the IGAD Qualifications Framework as well as policies and strategies in relevant areas.
It is worth recalling that the Djibouti Declaration on Education, adopted in December 2017 following the IGAD Heads of State and Government Summit in March of the same year, called for the establishment of a network of universities within the IGAD region to advise on the quality and relevance of higher education. The IGAD Regional Education Policy Framework also emphasised the need for the Council of Higher Education, alternatively referred to as the Board of IGAD Universities. In alignment with this vision, the first IGAD Universities Forum was held on 5-6 April 2021 at Jigjiga University in eastern Ethiopia.
