The Director of the EfD-Mak Center, Professor Edward Bbaale delivered an inaugural professorial lecture on 17th December 2021. He is one of the youngest professors at Makerere University to deliver such a lecture.
The ceremony was attended by staff and members of the university’s top management including the Vice-chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and his deputy in charge of Academic Affairs Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, the former Vice-chancellor Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Principal College of Business and Management Studies Associate Professor Eria Hisali and his Deputy Associate Professor Yawe Bruno. Representatives from the government’s ministries, departments and agencies, and family members also graced the occasion.
The professorial lecture is a tradition in many reputable universities and a highly regarded public talk by an appointed professor.
Edward Bbaale delivered his lecture on the theme: Rethinking Growth in Africa: Firms and the Business Environment Quality. For the last decade, Bbaale has centered his research on firms and African economies. He has particularly looked at the dynamics and economic roles of firms in bridging productivity, export and employment gaps in Africa and the quality of business environment necessary for firms in Africa to flourish.
Barnabas Nawangwe said, the inaugural lecture was in line with the current global economic challenges caused by COVID -19 pandemic where the whole business sector in Uganda has been affected and livelihoods compromised.
He also commented that the University’s research ought to have a bigger impact on the African continent. According to him, Makerere contributes over 70% of the research in Uganda, but on a continental level only about 3%.
Umar Kakumba reported that since Makerere University has more than 90 full professors, the University professorial organizing committee has drafted a policy that will require professors to deliver lectures within a year of appointment. Those retiring will be required to deliver a valedictory lecture.
For a detailed story, please click on the link below:
https://news.mak.ac.ug/2021/12/prof-edward-bbaale-delivers-professorial…
Compiled by:
Jane Anyango
Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
