Faculty Development Programme
Women’s University in Africa Hosts ICANN-Sponsored Faculty Development Programme on Universal Acceptance Integration.
The Women’s University in Africa (WUA) proudly hosted an ICANN-sponsored two-day Faculty Development Programme on the Integration of Universal Acceptance (UA) into Academic Curricula, bringing together academics, technology experts, and university stakeholders to strengthen knowledge and promote the adoption of Universal Acceptance principles within higher education.
The programme was officially welcomed by Professor Chipo Hungwe, Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation, alongside the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Entrepreneurial Sciences Dr P Hove, faculty members, and staff. They received the ICANN delegation and expressed appreciation for the partnership aimed at advancing digital inclusivity and innovation in academic institutions.
In her welcome remarks, Professor Hungwe emphasized the importance of integrating emerging digital technologies and global internet standards into university curricula to ensure graduates are equipped with relevant skills for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. She highlighted that Universal Acceptance is a critical component of digital inclusion, enabling all valid domain names and email addresses, regardless of language, script, or length, to function seamlessly across internet-enabled systems and applications.
The two-day programme provided participants with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Universal Acceptance concepts, explore practical implementation strategies, and discuss ways of embedding UA principles into teaching, learning, research, and curriculum development. Interactive sessions facilitated knowledge sharing between the ICANN delegation and WUA academics, fostering collaboration and capacity building.
The initiative aligns with WUA’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the development of future-ready graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to the global digital economy. By participating in such programmes, the University continues to strengthen its role as a leader in promoting inclusive education, technological advancement, and digital transformation.
The engagement concluded with renewed commitments to collaboration and the advancement of Universal Acceptance awareness within higher education, reinforcing the shared vision of creating a more accessible and inclusive internet for all.
