IUCEA Annual Conference to explore how Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are shaping the future of higher education in EAC.
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) will hold the 14th Annual Conference and Meeting from 27th to 28th June 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. This year, the conference will focus on: “The Future of Higher Education in the Age of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.”
The conference will bring together representatives of ministries responsible for education, CEOs of higher education regulatory bodies, Vice Chancellors, Principals and Heads of Universities and degree-awarding tertiary institutions in EAC Partner States, representatives of EAC institutions, as well as development partners.
Technological advancements, brought about by advancement in data science and AI, have challenged the traditional model of teaching and learning in higher education institutions, highlighting the need for education institutions to re-think the mode of teaching and learning. By embracing the power of data science and AI, higher education institution can leverage these technologies to enhance teaching and learning, drive innovation and research, and address societal challenges.
The conference offers an opportunity for academicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and discuss the future of higher education in the digital era. It will include keynote speeches, presentations and panel discussions featuring renowned experts in the fields of data science, AI, and higher education. The speakers will share their experiences, cutting-edge research, and industry perspectives on the future of higher education in the age of data science and AI.
The Conference will also serve as a networking platform to foster collaborations among universities and higher education institutions in the region, industry partners, policy makers, regulatory bodies, and development partners. It is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and capacity-building programmes, and create an environment that will foster innovation and growth.
The outcomes of the conference are expected to shape the future of higher education in the EAC region by empowering institutions to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the digital age.
SESSION 1: OPENING CEREMONY
| TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Chairperson: Dr. Didas Muganga Kayihura- Vice Chancellor, University of Rwanda | |
| 8:30 – 9.00 | Arrival and Registration of Participants |
| 9:00 – 9:05 | Arrival of the Guest of Honour |
| 9:05 – 9:15 | National Anthem of the Republic of Rwanda
EAC Anthem IUCEA Prayer |
| 9:15 – 10:15 | Welcome Remarks by Prof. Gaspard BANYANKIMBONA – The Executive Secretary of IUCEA
Remarks by Prof. Callixte KABERA – IUCEA Executive Committee Chairperson Statements by IUCEA Partners |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Statement by Hon. Dr. Peter MATHUKI – EAC Secretary General |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Speech and Official Opening by the Chief Guest Hon Min Dr. Valentine UWAMARIYA – Minister of Education, Republic of Rwanda |
| 10:45– 11.00 | Keynote Presentation I:
“The Future of Higher Education in the age of Digital Transformation: The Place of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.” Mr. John Hall, Chief Product & Technology Officer, African Leadership University, Rwanda. |
| 11.00– 11.05 | The signing of the MoU for Academic Consortium, and Copyright License Agreement [TBC] |
| 11:05– 11:45 | GROUP PHOTO & HEALTH BREAK |
| SESSION 2 – MORNING PRESENTATIONS
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| Chairperson: Prof. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo – Vice Chancellor, Kampala International University, Uganda. | |
| Keynote Presentation II:
The Future of Data-Driven Higher Education Prof. Gerald OUMA- Director, Institutional Planning at University of Pretoria |
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| The Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Higher Education.
1. Prof. Baylie Damtie Yeshita, Vice Chancellor of Kepler College, Rwanda 2. Prof Jude LUBEGA – Vice Chancellor, Nkumba University, Uganda |
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| Questions and Answers | |
| LUNCH BREAK | |
| SESSION 3 – PANEL DISCUSSIONS | |
| Chairperson: Dr Wardah M. Rajab Gyagenda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Kampala University | |
| 14:00– 15:00 | Panel Discussions I: Quality Assurance and the Opportunities and Challenges of AI on Higher Education.
1. Prof. Charles RURANGA- ACE 2 Data Science, University of Rwanda 2. Prof. John Peter OPIO – Professor, Gulu University 3. Mr. Essa Mohamedali – Director of the Tanzania AI Lab & Community 4. Prof. John Akech – Vice Chancellor, University of Juba 5. Dr Moise Busogi – Assistant Teaching Professor, CMU-Africa 6. Prof. AL-ATHWARI, Baseem – Smart Computing, Kyungdong University- Global Campus
Questions and Answers |
| Chairperson: Dr Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University
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| 15:00– 16:00 | Panel discussions II: Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiatives for Socio-Economic Transformation of East Africa
1. Mr. Didier NKURIKIYIMFURA- Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Smart Africa Innovation 2. Mr. John KAMARA- Founder and Global Chief Executive Officer, Adanian Labs Founder 3. Mr. Luxolo RUBUSHE- Managing Director of Education, Adapt IT 4. Mr. John MATOGO- Corporate Social Responsibility Leader for Middle East & Africa, IBM 5. Ms. Esther KUNDA – Director General Innovation and Emerging Technologies, Ministry of ICT and Innovation Rwanda
Questions and Answers |
| 16:00– 16:20 | HEALTH BREAK |
| 16:20– 16:40 | Resolution of the Conference – Prof. Idris Rai, Deputy Executive Secretary, IUCEA |
| 16:40– 17:00 | Official Closure by:
Executive Secretary, IUCEA Chairperson Executive Committee, IUCEA Representative Host [TBD] |
| 19.00– 21.00 | **Networking Session** |