The MoU was signed by Dr Bakary Diallo, the rector of the AVU and Jessica Colaco, the research lead and manager of iHub Research.
Dr Diallo said: "The signing of this MoU is significant because AVU is in a process of setting up a mobile learning lab in Nairobi. Mobile penetration in Africa provides an opportunity to increase access education. In this regard, it is important for AVU to join effort with leading grass roots developers like iHub in order to find and implement innovative mobile solutions adapted to the African context."
The MoU between AVU and the iHub Research is an important step in strengthening the relationship between the academic and developers' communities.
The MoU demonstrates AVU's commitment to work with various partners across Africa to promote use of ICTs in Education. The AVU recently signed an MoU with the African Union Commission to promote education and the innovative use of ICT in Africa, in particular through eLearning programme delivery with focus on teacher education, content development, infrastructure, quality assurance, open education resources, capacity building and networking.
In January 2012, AVU received a USD15.6 million grant from the African Development Bank to assist 22 African countries in improving their infrastructure and programmes, and to provide technical assistance on their ICT in education policies and strategies. The grant will also support a peace and conflict resolution programme, research and development with focus on mobile learning, open educational resources and gender mainstreaming through the award of scholarships to women enrolled in science programmes.
