Arusha — THE Tumaini University Makumira of Arusha has entered into mutual agreement with two foreign institutions of higher learning -- the legendary Makerere University and the Uganda Christian University -- to collaborate on Academic, Research and Administration activities.

The Vice-Chancellor of Tumaini-Makumira (TUMA) University, Prof Joseph Parsalaw, described the universities' tripartite agreement, through a joint Memorandum of Understanding, as marking a historical milestone in future academic cooperation among institutions of higher learning in the East African Region.

"These collaborations will help the citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania to take advantage of

the East African Community relationships in making use of education opportunities available within partner states," explained Prof Parsalaw.

The Don added that through the Memorandum of Understanding, the three higher learning institutions; TUMA, MU and UCU based in Tanzania and Uganda respectively will be exchanging various research and academic publications as well as share skills and exchange expertise in matters of administration.

The MoU was signed in the Ugandan Capital of Kampala by Prof Parsalaw and the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere, Prof Venancius Baryamureeba, while the one with the Mukono based, Uganda Christian University (UCU) was co-signed by the head of the Institution, Dr John Senyonyi.

The three Universities will also be conducting exchange programmes among their respective students as well as finding ways to harmonize their curricula for a more uniform academic offering. At the moment, there are reportedly over 2 million students attending universities in the five East African partner states.

Arusha will also be hosting a special Education Expo for the region's higher learning institutions, among them universities, colleges and technical training institutions in the next few days.