Russian-African Network University is ‘Much Larger Than Just Education,’ Professor Says
18:23 11.07.2024 (Updated: 18:40 11.07.2024)
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What is the Russian-African Network University, and what are its goals? Sputnik Africa discussed this with a dean of a faculty at Moscow State University faculties and a member of the Global Partnership for Education.
Russian-African Network University aims to develop cutting-edge technologies in several fields such as satellite technology, mineral resources technologies, gas and oil technology, agriculture, and much more, Professor Alexey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, told Sputnik Africa.
"The main idea is not just to speak about the joint programs but, first of all, to speak about the joint laboratories, joint science research, and academic research. So it's much larger than just an education," he said.
Maslov explained that the idea of returning to close educational and technological cooperation with many African countries is based on the "long and very fruitful" Soviet experience of building joint educational programs and training African students in the USSR.
"[The university should become] the joint science and educational space for many countries in Africa [...] with the support of the leading Russian universities," the professor added.
The university also provides an opportunity for the exchange of information between students from different countries, which simplifies not only the education process but also builds a network of contacts, added Valentine Mugun, Youth Leader, Global Partnership for Education from Nairobi, Kenya.
"I think it's very, very, very important, especially with regard to information access. We always say information is power. With this network, it has also even enabled students from different countries to be able to know about the opportunities that are there, as well as help students that are studying in Russia to be able to network, learn from each other," she told Sputnik Africa.
Talking about other advantages, Mugun pointed out that for most students in Africa, studying in Russia can be relatively more affordable compared to other countries. Additionally, the robust cultural exchange programs facilitated by the Russian-African network of universities play a significant role, making it much easier for students to integrate into the new environment.
