UoN and CUGB Explore Collaboration in Geosciences

The University of Nairobi received a delegation from the China University of Geosciences, Beijing (CUGB), a leading institution in China under the Ministry of Natural Resources, on September 23, 2025. The courtesy call was centred on possible collaboration in the field of Geosciences.

The delegation was led by the Chair of Council, Prof. Yalin Lei, who emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing Africa’s development agenda. She noted that China has played a significant role in driving infrastructure and technological advancement across the continent. “Knowledge exchange in Geosciences would further strengthen Africa’s ability to sustainably harness its natural resources,” she noted.

Representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson was the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Human Resource and Administration, Prof. John Mande, who led the University of Nairobi team comprising members from the Faculties of Engineering, Arts & Social Sciences and Science & Technology.

The two delegations explored collaboration opportunities in Geosciences across four key pillars: student exchange, staff exchange, training and research.

Prof. Mande welcomed the initiative, noting that the collaboration would be a valuable addition to the University’s academic and research portfolio. He explained that the partnership will first be anchored at the Faculties of Engineering and Science & Technology, with future expansion to the University of Nairobi Confucius Institute at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

He added that once approved by the Vice Chancellor, the formal process of establishing the collaboration framework will begin.

This engagement reinforces the University of Nairobi’s commitment to forging global partnerships that advance knowledge, build capacity, transform society and promote sustainable research in critical fields such as Geosciences.