A seasoned academic, Professor Ludidi brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as a Professor of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). His academic journey has been marked by various leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Acting Director of the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security at the University of Western Cape (UWC).
Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Ludidi expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of UMP. "This opportunity allows me to positively impact UMP. We are at a stage where we have a very clear direction, and my goal is to contribute towards achieving the excellence that the university stands for," he said.
He emphasized the broader societal role of the university, stating, "The obligation is not just for the university because the university serves the community. It's an opportunity for our team to showcase its ability to serve South African society at large."
Professor Ludidi outlined his vision and goals for the Faculty, focusing on three core activities: teaching and learning, research, and community engagement. Regarding teaching, he commended the performance of undergraduate students and expressed his commitment to ensuring they become well-rounded graduates capable of making a positive impact on South African society.
For postgraduate students, particularly at the doctoral level, Prof Ludidi aims to increase their numbers and quality. "Research comes with innovation, and many challenges that South African society faces can be addressed through innovation," he adds.
The Dean also highlighted the importance of academic qualifications among faculty members, expressing his desire for all academics in the Faculty to hold PhDs. He aims to increase the number of staff members with PhDs, translating to enhanced capacity for supervising postgraduate students and producing high-quality PhD graduates.
In the realm of research, he aims to elevate the Faculty's standing by increasing the number of NRF-rated researchers and improving their ratings. He emphasized the importance of research quality over quantity, aiming for high-quality publications that address societal challenges.
Commenting on the broader role of education, Professor Ludidi emphasized its pivotal role in addressing societal challenges. "Education is the key to prosperity, and universities are key to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs)," he stated. He called for a collaborative approach where universities work closely with communities to identify challenges and develop solutions, aligning with the SDGs.
As Professor Ndiko Ludidi takes the helm as Dean, the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP is focused on a transformative journey, academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement to contribute significantly to the development of South African society.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures ChrisplPhoto.