A Parliamentary Standing Committee delegation from Uganda visited Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) recently to explore possibilities of academic exchange, scientific transfer, technological know-how and collaborative research between Ugandan universities and JMI.
The delegation headed by Eng K Sskitoleko, Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation met Vice-Chancellor, JMI; Talat Ahmad, Pro Vice Chancellor; Shahid Ashraf and Deans; Heads and Directors of Science and Engineering Departments of JMI to seek help in transfer of knowledge in various disciplines of the Sciences to Ugandan universities and institutions.
Ahmad said that JMI which is one of the oldest universities in India will be happy to cooperate with Ugandan universities in the fields of Physics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Nano Sciences and Engineering.
He informed the delegation that JMI has a well-established Faculty of Engineering with highly-equipped labs and other facilities.
Besides, JMI also has state-of-art laboratories in Nano technology and Nano Sciences and a newly set-up Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and a Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship with which the Uganda universities can collaborate in terms of research and innovation, Prof Ahmad added.
Sskitoleko said that India and Uganda have always enjoyed a cordial relationship.
There has been a significant contribution of people of Indian-origin in the country’s economic growth and development.
He said that the purpose of visiting JMI was to understand how best ideas from the academia can be used by Ugandan industry and the country as a whole.
The delegation discussed issues like food security, IPR and patents and transfer of technology and innovations.
Mohsin U Khan, former CSIR scientist said that India has progressed because of its policies on science and technology that were adopted way back in 1958.
These provided the necessary early impetus to create an infrastructure that led to the country’s all-round development.
The delegation in its day-long visit to JMI also went to various Science Centres and Departments and the Faculty of Engineering to acquaint themselves with the facilities and infrastructure in the university.