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Closing the Divide: Virtual universities transforming higher education in Africa

Closing the Divide: Virtual universities transforming higher education in Africa

WEST Midlands Open University (WMOU) is Nigeria's first private virtual institution to "go live", part of a wave of openings that is sweeping the continent. The country's National University Commission granted Lagos-based WMOU the green light to offer degree programs virtually. According to Adebayo Akande, the institution's founder, "WMOU will catalyse national development and global competitiveness by utilising sustainable technologies and high-quality programs to provide training and education." On a continent where smartphone adoption and affordable internet access is changing lives, education startups and institutions are capitalising on these advancements in communications to bring tertiary education to both urban and…
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Solar backpack transforming school children’s lives in Eswatini

Solar backpack transforming school children’s lives in Eswatini

14-YEAR-OLD Xolile Masango from Macetjeni in eastern Lubombo in the kingdom of Eswatini wants to be a doctor when she grows up to treat her sickly father. She also wants to be able to provide healthcare to her community. Born into a family of three children, her parents make a living from ploughing and weeding the local fields, but their combined wages aren't enough to put food on the table, let alone buy electricity. Masango is one of many Swati girls who can't study after dusk and are therefore less likely to graduate and get jobs that can help pull…
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Turning waste to gold: Transforming wastewater and solid waste into sustainable solutions

Turning waste to gold: Transforming wastewater and solid waste into sustainable solutions

BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY TO Jean James, Africa's fast-growing and rapidly urbanising population and the associated problems of managing wastewater and solid waste are not just challenges but also represent a unique opportunity. "They create various avenues for the circular economy… an ideal business environment, reduce cases of public health and promote clean water consumption," said James, a Nairobi-based circular economy expert, in an interview with bird story agency. James said the massive investment into waste infrastructure was an opportunity for governments to partner with the private sector to facilitate the financing of what will need to be an…
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