The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) has kicked off the second upskilling cohort which seeks to support university lecturers and empower them to be up to speed with advancements in the tech industry.
This edition aims to introduce elements within its content and instruction that will further place participating faculty at the forefront of understanding technological progress.
Building on the foundation laid by the first cohort, this year’s edition focus is on intensive software development training, delving into the latest technologies such as AI, and industry trends with a key interest in practical exercises.
This year’s participating universities include Dedan Kimathi University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kabarak University, Meru University, Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU), St Paul’s University, Strathmore University, United States International University-Africa (USIU) and Zetech University with 24 lecturers making up the 2nd cohort.
While speaking about the programme, Microsoft ADC MD Catherine Muraga said the Microsoft Faculty Skilling Programme empowers lecturers with advanced knowledge and skills to shape the future of higher education.
She said this initiative goes beyond traditional boundaries and that it’s not just about staying current; it’s about leading the charge in shaping the educational landscape of tomorrow.
“This year’s curriculum includes “Teaching with AI,” which demonstrates the program’s dedication to staying ahead of technological breakthroughs,” Muraga said.
“This focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) entails using AI tools and methodologies in the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning experiences.”
Muraga also said the integration of AI into the curriculum is immensely significant as it sets the ground for students to build an understanding of the technology and gain the knowledge to develop AI tools that reflect and are relevant to their African contexts.
“We are working towards a future where tech training focuses on building African tech academia’s capacity to contribute to the global landscape,” said Ms Muraga.
The program is in partnership with Microsoft Leap and is based on a curriculum developed and taught by Microsoft Leap instructors and ADC Engineers.
“I am excited to be partnering with ADC on this second cohort to help upskill university faculty. It is a testament to how valuable this initiative is for universities and students alike. We remain committed to continuing our work in this region, identifying, engaging, and aligning with changemakers in Africa to help us elevate our impact,” Microsoft Leap’s Senior Business Program Manager Yolanda Natal-Santos said.
On his part, JKUAT computer sciences department chair Lawrence Nderu, also an alumnus of the first cohort, underscored the value gained from the close interaction between industry professionals and university faculty.
“Participating in the programme is an invaluable investment for lecturers. Learning from and interacting with the people who are building industry-leading tech products gives us incredible insight into the process and allows us to enrich our student’s classroom experiences,” he said.
“Additionally, teaching and learning with AI not only enhances our methods but also brings tangible value to our roles, ensuring we stay at the forefront of educational practices.”