5.1 Sub-Theme 1: Regional Cooperation in Graduate Training and Research by Prof. Hassan Mekouar, Former Vice Chancellor, University Mohammed V, Morocco
 

The presenter said that part of his presentation would use a case-study approach from which participants could draw their own conclusions. He said that he hoped that in the end, the conference would focus on some specific issues which can be viewed from different angles. 
 

The presentation focussed on four angles: 
 

· The Geography of Networking as all regional programmes are based on networking 

· The examination of institutional arrangements regarding the networks which would involve relationships with such non-governmental organizations like SADDC 

· The Internal dynamics: which refers to collaborative efforts between members, funding agencies, etc. 

· Qualitative features 

The presenter went on to talk about the geography of networking involving: 

· network organizations 

· departmental and thematic networks 

· institutional conferences 

· network within Regional Political Entities 

The presenter then went on to talk about institutionalisation which sometimes affect the regular government allocations which means delays, which are a stumbling block. 

As regards relations with Regional entities, the presentation urged collaborative programmes in higher education and research set up under the aegis of the regional organizations of states. 
 

The next part of the presentation dealt with African Programs of International networks, underlining the fact that there are numerous programs operating within the context of international organizations. The presenter urged the AAU members to consider the relationship between the different partners, individual or institutional. He further talked on the importance of considering the time perspective and the factors affecting the programme durability. These deliberations were followed by a number of issues related to qualitative matters. 
 

Next, the presenter examined the issue of donor policies and touched on such matters like the rules governing what he termed "grantsmanship", innovation and pilot effects, and finally, inter-action with the private sectors. 
 

In his concluding remarks, the presenter argued that there still remain major gaps and differences between systems and within larger regional divisions which hamper effective collaboration in many parts of Africa. He said that this and other problems need to be taken seriously by the AAU. He urged the AAU to play the important role of promoting horizontal dialogues across systems and divisions, and vertical ones between the African academic community and the respective states, with the aim of working toward reducing the obstacles to regional collaboration. (The full text of this presentation is available as Appendix X) 
 
 

5.1.1 Discussion 
 

Generally, the discussion centred on congratulating the speaker. It was observed that the presentation related very well to the challenges posed by President Mkapa's regarding research and academic work. 
 

The last part of the discussion dealt with the disturbing issue of the relations between the North-South collaborators in research whereby the researchers from the North were seen as teachers and those from the South were taken as students. This, the delegates charged, needs to be redressed. 
 

The topic was lauded to be very topical, and AAU was urged to set up regional conferences to bring together sister universities to talk and deliberate on collaboration. 
 

5.2 Sub-Theme 2: Information and Communication Technology by Prof. A.D. Akinde, Head of Department, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
 

The presenter said that his presentation would look into the methods and practice of the ICT and their application to Africa in the wake of the 21st century. Arguing that computers are God's main gift to mankind in this century, the speaker underlined the fact that ICT provides access and deliverance of information. He said that since the demand for university education in Africa is on the increase yet there is not enough space, the way out would seem to be an aggressive approach to avail ICT to African universities. 
 

The presenter then dwelt on the objectives of applying ICT to African universities, saying that this would link the universities to like-minded institutions the world over while fulfilling the requirements for 21st century education and training which will necessarily be interactive, distance, cost-effective and life-long learning. 
 

The presentation then touched on the special applications which would be needed for the application of ICT to African universities, among which the presenter talked about multi-media technology, potential tools and use of the Internet and the utilisation of the general trends of new technologies. 
 
 

After touching on the reasons for the need for new technology trends, the speaker touched on the problems and setbacks that can face such trends. These include the problems of low awareness and appreciation of the Internet and acute shortage of African experts in technology and management of such technologies. 
 

As a way out, the presenter said that funds must be set aside, and strategic plans must be drawn up which would include networking systems development and management, and trying to solve the problems of incompatibilities in technology. 
 

The presentation ended by urging the AAU to act as a catalyst in the endeavours to introduce and use the ICT. (For the full text of this presentation see Appendix XI) 
 

5.2.1 Discussion 
 

The major thrust of the discussion concerned the appropriateness of ICT in universities in Africa. The discussion also queried the AAU on how it could help in setting up effective ICT's which are reliable. In the last part of the discussions it was observed that we need to have a clear picture of how we are going to introduce and use ICT in our universities so that issues like those of gender equity are taken into consideration. 
 

While some members argued that ICT is a very expensive undertaking, some stated that ICT does not require high level of technology, nor does it require lots of funds to start with. It was insisted that a lot of commitment is needed in the undertaking. It was argued that the best that the AAU can do is to coordinate the African universities in such a way that those experienced universities which are already into ICT should share their ideas, knowledge and experience with those which have not started. 
 

5.3 Sub-Theme 3: Access, Quality and Resource Management by Dr. F.N. Owako, Deputy Commission Secretary, Commission for Higher Education, Nairobi, Kenya
 

Dr. F.N. Owako started by saying that access, quality, and resource management are a major concern to African universities. 
 

The speaker listed the problems which hinder, affect or influence access, quality, and resource management. These include under-funding and overcrowding. 
 

The speaker dealt with the important question as to how to overcome these problems. He listed a number of strategies such as the establishment of:

· additional state universities based on the concept of elite traditional research universities 
· technical universities 
· private universities 
· polytechnics 
· open universities, distance learning and virtual universities  

The speaker went on to elaborate on the concept of access by including such aspects as: 
 

· gender-related access 
· access for the disabled 
· access for the greater populace seeking to improve their skills and knowledge for the performance on their jobs. 

The speaker then raised the question of the modalities for providing university education to the disabled people. He asked whether, indeed, a separate institution needs to be established for such people, and he cited the example of Kenya where a proposal to that effect is under discussion. 
 

Next, the speaker looked at the issues of compatibility between access/quality vis a vis the point of view of broadening the base of access to cater for special interest groups. Emphasizing on access through open learning and distance education, the speaker charged that quality may still be achieved without necessarily having elaborate resources. 
 

The presentation went on to examine the role of external quality assurance agencies, management of resources, and planning and budgeting. Regarding the last item, the speaker emphasized that for universities to acquire resources to manage, they must adopt some of what he called "universally accepted principles for budgeting and planning which include the use of unit costs based on cost centres for determining their overall financial needs and endeavouring to strike a balance between academic costs and administrative costs. 
 

The presentation ended with some suggestions regarding how universities in Africa can manage with limited resources and funding and still maintain quality. For example, the speaker urged the AAU member institutions to strictly adhere to prescribed entry requirements, including the use of tests and examinations administered by testing bodies, and mature age examinations. The presenter also urged universities to address the problems of inadequate funding, shift in educational policies from higher to primary and early childhood education, and poor remuneration of university staff.(The full text of this presentation is available as Appendix XII)