Makerere University Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe has attributed his unprecedented third win as African Educationist of the Year to the transformation of Makerere into a research-led, innovation-driven institution that is now attracting continental admiration.
Speaking in an exclusive interview from his Ivory Tower office at Makerere Hill on Monday, Prof. Nawangwe thanked Ugandans and supporters across the world for what he called “overwhelming solidarity” during the highly competitive global vote.
“I want to begin by thanking Ugandans for their overwhelming support,” he said. “They voted massively… especially because the competition was very stiff between me and the Somali Minister of Education. Ugandans mobilised and encouraged friends around the world to vote.”
This latest accolade, announced on December 1, 2025, follows his earlier wins in January 2022 and February 2025, making him one of the few African academics to secure the award three times.
Transformation Behind the Recognition
Asked whether he used any strategy to clinch the award repeatedly, Nawangwe dismissed the idea of “tricks,” attributing the recognition to Makerere’s evolution.
“There are no tricks,” he said. “People appreciate the transformation at Makerere University. Makerere used to be known mostly for riots. Today, you see innovations—killer bottles, research breakthroughs, inventions.”
He noted that the university’s global image has shifted dramatically: “The university is now associated with research and innovation rather than unrest.”
Research as Makerere’s Future
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that strengthening research remains his top priority. “Research and innovation are critically important for Africa… millions of young people will be seeking jobs. Foreign investment alone cannot create all those jobs. They will come from young innovators coming out of our universities.”
He hailed government support, now at about USD 80 million annually, saying it is enabling students and academics to produce “cutting-edge innovations.”
Nomination Criteria and Talent Retention
Prof. Nawangwe said the African Leadership Magazine nominated him for steering Makerere into a research-intensive institution and for championing administrative reforms.
Addressing Africa’s brain drain, he called for stronger investment in research to retain young innovators.
“It’s sad to see our young people leave and develop already-developed countries,” he said. “If we replicate support like the government gave Kiira Motors across sectors, our young people will stay, innovate, and transform the economy.”
The Vote and Mobilisation
He credited staff, students, and partner universities for mobilising votes. “I simply informed colleagues that I had been nominated… Staff and students—especially the Guild leadership—mobilised massively on social media.”
Challenges Ahead for Higher Education
Nawangwe acknowledged funding gaps despite increased government support. “Many staff have ideas and want to innovate, but current funding reaches only a small fraction. My role is to continue lobbying for more research funding.”
He said Makerere is prioritising digital skills, artificial intelligence, and capacity-building through its new Grants Administration and Management Support Unit.
To African university leaders, he advised focusing on innovation and commercialisation: “If all universities focus on research and innovation, we will transform Africa rapidly. In an era of global isolationism, Africa must innovate or be left behind.”
He urged students to treat their university years as an incubator for ideas: “Do not waste your time at university. Engage in innovation and research. Leave Makerere with at least one solid idea. Even if you don’t get a job, you can create one—and transform Africa.”
Background to the Win
This year’s award followed a three-stage selection process involving public nominations, an editorial review, and a global online poll. Prof. Nawangwe emerged top with 52.92%, defeating: Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir (Somalia) – 36.84%, Tetteh Nettey (Ghana) – 5.62% and Owunari Georgewill (Nigeria) – 4.62%.
The African Leadership Magazine praised his “visionary leadership” for strengthening academic excellence and inspiring young African scholars.
Professor Nawangwe described the victory as deeply meaningful: “Competing against a minister with access to extensive resources and still winning is humbling and gratifying.”
Makerere University hailed the award as a testament to the institution’s rising stature on the continent, reaffirming its commitment to research, innovation, and youth-driven development.
