Professors From The University Of Rijeka Visit MMUST To Strengthen Academic And Research Collaboration
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is hosting a delegation of five professors from the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, under the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme. The visit is part of an academic exchange initiative between the two institutions. The programme was initiated by Dr. Were Simon from MMUST’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and Prof. Marko Perić from the University of Rijeka. The program, which was initially for two years and was extended for one year, has provided an avenue for exchange of both staff and students across the two Universities.
The Ag. DVC PRI- Prof. Peter Bukhala gives his remarks during the meeting.
On 12th February 2026, the team paid a courtesy call to the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation) where they were received by the Ag. DVC PRI- Prof. Peter Bukhala. Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Bukhala commended the growing partnership between MMUST and the University of Rijeka. He noted that the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme has strengthened academic exchange, research collaboration, and provided international exposure for both staff and students. Further, Prof. Bukhala emphasized the importance of sustaining and expanding the collaboration beyond the current agreement for mutual institutional growth.
A section of the participants during the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by the Dean- School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology- Dr. Evans Raballah, Chairperson (Department of Nutritional Sciences)- Dr. Rose Shikuri, and the Director- DIAL- Dr. Umulkher Ali. They reiterated the University’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration, enhancing student and staff mobility, and expanding joint research and academic programmes between MMUST and the University of Rijeka.
Courtesy of the Erasmus+ mobility programme, MMUST has so far sent two groups of students to Croatia and is preparing to send another group in February 2026. The first group of students who participated in the programme have secured employment at Hilton Costabella Rijeka, demonstrating the program’s positive impact on student career opportunities.
A section of the participants during the meeting.
MMUST has previously hosted four visits from professors of the University of Rijeka, with another delegation expected in May. Similarly, MMUST staff have travelled to Croatia under the exchange arrangement, and another team is scheduled to travel between late April and May.
The visiting team comprises of the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management – Prof. Marko Perić, Prof. Siniša Bogdan as well as faculty members Vedran Zubović, Ema Petaković Ikica, and Jelena Kapeš. During their stay, the visiting professors will deliver lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students and hold consultative meetings with MMUST faculty to explore further collaboration beyond the current Erasmus+ agreement.
This visit strengthens the partnership between MMUST and the University of Rijeka and reaffirms their shared commitment to continued collaboration and greater opportunities for students and staff.
By Linet Owuor
