UNIVERSITY OF ESWATINI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR EDUCATION (UICE) 2024
KWALUSENI – The University of Eswatini through the Faculty of Education hosted an international Conference at the Kwalueni Campus on 6-8 August 2024. The theme of the Conference was “Transformative Education in the advent of AI/$IR in the light of African Educational Philosophies.”
The international Conference was attended by 60 participants from five countries, Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and United States of America. Four keynote addresses were made an over 40 papers were presented over the three days.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala welcome the Conference participants first to the Kingdom of Eswatini then to the University of Eswatini. He mentioned that the theme was relevant and made three quotes:
“Getting Education is no longer enough today, what matters most is the quality of education as defined by knowledge and skills students attain.”
“Education must prepare students to learn how to learn.”
“Education has been generally viewed as the gate to a better life. The question is: has education lived up to this view?
He noted that “Africa can leap into Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to drive sustainable industrialisation, employment and transformation by investing in human skills and implementing policies supporting digital technologies. The 4IR ushers in digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, robotics, and 3D printing among other innovative digital technologies.” He also noted that much digital transformation in 4IR warrants research and constant renewal of knowledge, skills and learning about robotics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
The four keynote speakers were:
- Professor Simon Bhekumuzi Khoza
- Dr. Sanghoon Park
- Professor Sandile Motsa
- Professor Themane
On the second day of the Conference, participants were invited to a Gala Dinner and researchers were able to mingle and network. The third day was marked with closing remarks and certification of the participants from Professor Henry T. Gadaga, as well as a free afternoon for excursions. The Conference was well organised under the leadership of Professor S’lungile Thwala, Dean Faculty of Education and Conference chair Professor Sithulisiwe Bhebhe.