The relationship between Australian and African universities continues to strengthen as the Australia Africa Universities Network welcomes its newest African members.

Both University of Pretoria and University of Nairobi have joined the network to serve on its steering group. The University of Ibadan in Nigeria has also taken up membership in the network.

Established in the capital of South Africa in 1908, the University of Pretoria provides students quality education with local and global relevance.

Professor Cheryl de la Rey, co-chairperson of the AAUN and Pretoria’s Vice-Chancellor, says: “The University of Pretoria takes seriously its role as a leading academic institution in Africa, and we recognise the importance of strategic intellectual partnerships to enhance this role.”

With a student population of more than 60,000 students, the University of Nairobi also provides quality university education and training to Kenyan and international students.

Vice-Chancellor Professor George A.O Magoha says, “We work with partners both local and international to create and transmit knowledge. Joining the AAUN will bring in linkages in disciplines that are indicated in the network’s cross-cutting themes of food security, mining, public sector reform, public health and education.”

Also hoping to bring in more global partnerships through the AAUN is the University of Ibadan, the oldest university in Nigeria. Vice-Chancellor Isaac Adewole says: “Joining the network has generated a lot of excitement within our university.” Participation in the AAUN aligns with its vision of becoming a world-class institution geared towards meeting societal needs

“It is widely accepted that Africa’s challenges have to be solved by Africans,” says Professor John Hearn, founder of the AAUN. “The Australia Africa Universities Network fosters partnerships and collaborations with long-term commitments… so that knowledge translates more efficiently to action and to application.”