University of Foggia’s Prof. Vito Amendolagine Visits MMUST Ahead of MoA Signing Under Wagon2Africa Project
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Italy’s University of Foggia, courtesy of the WAter enerGy fOod Nexus 2 Africa (WAGON2Africa) project. The collaborative talks between the two institutions are nearing fruition, following a visit by Associate Professor Vito Amendolagine from the University of Foggia to finalize the partnership. Today, 19th May 2026, Prof. Amendolagine paid a courtesy call to the Division of Planning, Research, and Innovation. He was received by the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata, who represented the Deputy Vice Chancellor (PRI), Prof. Christopher Ngacho. Prof. Amendolagine was accompanied by WAGON2Africa MMUST’s Project Coordinator, Dr. Victor Odari.
The Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata speaks during the courtesy call.
“As a University, we are proud and grateful for the impactful work that this team is doing. The WAGON2Africa Project is one of the biggest projects we have in collaboration with Erasmus+, a programme through which we have made notable success stories. We are optimistic that our Collaboration with the University of Foggia will birth even greater milestones and opportunities for both our institutions,” stated Prof. Orata.
In addition to this, Prof. Orata emphasized the need to leverage the partnership for joint resource mobilization and institutional capacity-building. “We need to embark on the joint development of research proposals that will see our institutions work together. This will not only offer a platform for knowledge exchange in proposal writing among our students and staff but also enhance our capacity to attract more international funding and elevate MMUST’s research profile further,” he added.
Prof. Amendolagine makes a point during a consultative meeting with the faculty, School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET)
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Amendolagine affirmed that the University of Foggia is committed to broadening its international networks. “I am here on behalf of our Vice Chancellor, who is keen to ensure that we leverage the WAter enerGy fOod Nexus project to open new opportunities of cooperation. We have already finalized a joint proposal for a Horizon Europe project focused on sustainable food production. This is just the beginning, and we are confident that further opportunities will unfold in due course,” said the Associate Professor of Economics, Prof. Amendolagine.
On his part, the WAGON2Africa MMUST Project Coordinator, Dr. Victor Odari appreciated the faculty members for their active participation in the consultative meetings. “It is through these engagements that we get to appreciate our unique strengths, identify shared challenges, and discover how best we can collaborate and support one another. These academic exchanges will ultimately elevate our Departments, Schools and the entire University from local to international relevance. We look forward to receiving more international students from Italy and across the globe, while equally creating opportunities for our own students to experience world-class institutions like the University of Foggia,” remarked Dr. Odari.
The WAGON2Africa MMUST Project Coordinator, Dr. Victor Odari during the meeting at the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET).
Notably, during his tour of MMUST, Prof. Amendolagine visited various Schools, including the School of Business and Economics (SOBE); School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET) and the School of Medicine (SOM). He interacted with faculty members, sharing insights into ongoing research initiatives and exploring potential areas of mutual interest for research between MMUST and the University of Foggia.
The impending formalization of the working relationship between MMUST and the University of Foggia is a key milestone in our institution’s internationalization agenda. This collaboration will undoubtedly unlock more opportunities for funding, research excellence, and cross-cultural exchange!
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Wangari Wambugu
