The College of Computing and information Science hosted a Cisco African Networking Academy Safari from 28th to 29th June, 2016. The workshop was aimed at updating Cisco instructors in Uganda on the new curriculum developments, Cisco guidelines and Report analysis and addressing the challenges faced by Cisco Networking Academy’s in Uganda.

The Principal of the College of Computing and Information Science; Assoc. Prof. Constant Okello – Obura welcomed the Cisco Systems delegation and participants to Makerere University. He emphasized that innovation was the key blood of the College which are exhibited annually. Prof. Obura cited that ICT is very useful in addressing challenges faced in the world and the College was committed to this purpose. The Principal noted that there was need to ensure students numbers are equivalent to what Cisco academy’s can sustain to ensure quality of the Cisco courses.

Mr. Paul Bakaki, the Head of the Centre for Innovations and Professional Skills Development reemphasized the role of the College on offering global computing skills to students. “As the centre for training and information, we not only train students but have a testing centre that offers global examinations.” Mr. Bakaki said.

Ms. Hital Muraj, the Corporate Affairs Manager Cisco Systems in East, Central and Southern Africa congratulated the partner institutions and instructors for the high enrollment rate in Uganda but noted that Kenya and Nigeria were overtaking Uganda. She also emphasized on the quality of graduates and advised instructors not to issue certificates to students who did not do the class assessments, quizzes or an online exams. Instructors were advised to upgrade through regular retooling and retraining to get certified as Cisco instructors. Cisco Systems is also planning on enrolling High School students in the programme to develop an early interest in ICT.

The College Academic Registrar, Mr. Patrick Feni,assured the instructors that the Cisco programme was accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and it was equated to a diploma. He encouraged the instructors to develop their institution by offering quality education and encouraged them to preach the gospel of Cisco.

Mr. Serges Nanfack from the Cisco Technical team provided the updates from Cisco Systems and Cisco curriculum. He also conducted an Internet of Everything (IOE) practical for instructors on a Smart Farming Project (to measure soil moisture) and a Smart Students Park (system that can switch lights on when there is darkness and turn off when there is light).

The outstanding instructors were awarded certificates at the Cisco dinner. Barbra Nalubega (Makerere University) was awarded as a Trainer of instructors. Esther Wabule (International University of East Africa) was awarded as the best in Women and Networking. Laso Mubiru.