Over 100 administration and management academicians from 10 countries in Africa have gathered for three days to discuss issues of governance and leadership in universities, saying mentoring the younger generation is a crucial aspect for the success of universities.
The three-day first international conference on Governance, Leadership and Social Economic Transformation that started from May 11 to 13,2023 is organised by Mzumbe University in collaboration with the Kabale University from Uganda and University of Johannesburg.During the conference 80 academic papers will be presented by academicians from various universities.
According to Prof Dominique Uwizeyimana from the University of Johannesburg issues of leadership at the universities are global and in order to run successful universities it is a must to have good leadership.
He said that leadership must also prepare the younger generation to take over positions so there must be a succession plan and be well taught.
“Many universities in the African continent more specifically, the older generation normally won’t mentor the younger generation because of lack of opportunities they cannot acquire the leadership skills.”
According to him, universities that have been failing to prepare successors keep failing every time, and few that well managed to transfer leadership skills to mentor the younger generation are the most successful.
On the other hand, the chairperson of the conference Dr Idda Lyatonga from Mzumbe said over 100 participants from 10 African countries are attending with the aim of sharing knowledge relating to the matter.
She said there are a number of challenges in leadership so the conference will bring different experiences and how they deal with it in the universities.
