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A university at the forefront of digital transformation
Following the university's pursuit to reclaim its place at the top tier of tertiary education institutions on the continent, a high-level Unisa delegation attended the Barcelona 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC Barcelona). The congress is the largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem.
Thousands of senior executives from top global companies, international governments and trailblazing tech businesses converge at MWC Barcelona to make decisions. The Unisa delegation comprised staff members from various departments, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Human Resources, Finance, Facilities and Operations, the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the College of Economic Management Sciences, Legal Services and the Vice-Chancellor's office.
A high-level Unisa delegation attended the Barcelona 2024 Mobile World Congress- the largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem.
The 2024 conference brought together connectivity leaders from 205 countries and territories, exploring industry topics including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the usage gap, GSMA Open Gateway and the investment gap. The Unisa team focused on learning and exploring the latest technological practices that the university can develop to improve its current ICT networks.
The four-day programme comprised vibrant discussions and networking, convening industry leaders and attendees across the mobile ecosystem. John Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of GSMA Ltd., said: "MWC Barcelona embodies the energy and vibrancy of the mobile ecosystem. We are honoured to host this special event, which delivers four exceptional days of debate, thought leadership, inspiration and deal-making."
In her presentation, Mathabo Nakene-Mginqi, Unisa's Vice-Principal: ICT and Chief Information Officer, shared with the congress the university's collaboration with Huawei to set a plan for the university and analyse its ICT needs. Unisa and Huawei have developed a suite of intelligent campus solutions that benefit its long-term development. Huawei is working with Unisa to make its campuses more efficient, sustainable and convenient. This collaboration positions Unisa as a university at the forefront of digital transformation.
Mathabo Nakene-Mginqi shared the university's collaboration with Huawei to benefit Unisa's long-term development.
*Image sourced from Huawei
By the end of the conference, it was clear that Unisa was in the right direction with its ICT advancements. However, since the institution prides itself on being an innovative university, the Unisa team has worked on recommendations to improve its ICT networks over time. In the immediate future, the team will be implementing efforts to advance technology-mediated, quality learning and teaching in order to enhance student success rates. These efforts include developing the university's digital policy framework and the digital transformation strategy, strengthening partnerships with private, government and economic sectors, investing in staff development to improve service delivery, efficiency and turnaround time, and reviewing policies in line with the transformation agenda and change employee behaviour towards high institutional impact.
As Unisa continues to reposition itself as a global university with impact, it is committed to keeping abreast of ICT advancements to improve its overall teaching and learning experience and provide accessible education.
* Compiled by Tshimangadzo Mphaphuli, Editor: Internal Communications, Department of Institutional Advancement
Publish date: 2024/03/13
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