IISC Director talks with Cuban Minister of Higher Education

On February 11, the IISC Director, Dr Stephen Wilkinson, had the opportunity and privilege to meet and talk with the Cuban Minister of Higher Education, Dr José Ramón Saborido Loidi (pictured right), and extend good wishes on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham, Professor James Tooley.

Dr Wilkinson expressed the intentions of the IISC to continue to develop ties with Cuba and help to promote a clear and objective understanding of the Cuban process in the world. The Minister was most appreciative and interested in the IISC project and offered numerous comments and suggestions on how the work of the Institute might be extended and developed within Cuba.

In particular, Dr Wilkinson emphasised the desire in the UK for good relations with Cuba and praised the dedication and professionalism of the Cuban colleagues with whom he has met during his stay.

The meeting took place on the last day of the biannual Higher Education conference, Universidad 2022, which has counted on the face to face participation of 400 delegates and more than 1,000 online.

After his meeting with the Minister, Dr Wilkinson, who is vice-Chairman of the University of Buckingham Assessment Teaching and Learning Committee, presented a paper on the use of online techniques in the teaching of academic writing through the discipline of Politics and International Relations and then signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pedagogic University, José Varona. (Pictured left).

Among the activities planned with the pedagogic university is the participation of Cuban specialists in the online workshops that the University of Buckingham runs for its academic staff, and a visit to the university on the study tour of Cuba planned by the IISC for September.