Tallinn University Rector Prof Tonu Viik from Estonia says his institution is willing and ready to partner with the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) for exchange programmes.

Prof Tonu stated that Tallinn University, which is one of the three largest universities in Estonia, will partner with TUM on research by sharing human resources and expertise, benefiting both institutions. He said the envisaged exchange programme would involve both staff and students.

He noted that TUM is a Centre of excellence in technical training not only in the Coast region, but also in Kenya at large; therefore, the Estonian University feels good to be associated with it.

The envoy was speaking when he paid a courtesy call at TUM on Friday, January 24, 2025. He said Tallinn University is a research-driven university in the heart of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

“We have five schools, the School of Baltic Film, Media and Arts, the School of Digital Technologies, The School of Educational Sciences, the School of Humanities, the School of Natural Sciences and Health and the School of Governance, Law and Society.” The Rector said.

Tallinn is the 3rd largest public university in Estonia which is located in the Baltic region where it neighbors Latvia and Russia. The University is ranked among the top 5 per cent of the world’s universities (QS WUR, THE WUR and Shanghai ranking).

Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar, who received the envoy, said TUM is one of the oldest technical institutions in Kenya offering technical courses that give the youth unique opportunities to sharpen their skills.

Prof Laila said TUM has well-trained human resources and facilities, which enable it to produce competent graduates for the job market.

“Our programmes range from Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor Degree, and Master Degree to PhD. We have Kwale and Lamu sites. Students in those counties can easily access higher education," she told the Rector, adding that:

"We also have TUM TVET institute where students can pursue short courses in various fields through artisan certificates and Diploma Courses."

The Vice-Chancellor revealed that TUM is in the process of establishing a language centre to focus on French, Kiswahili, Arabic and Chinese languages.

Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Extension Prof Peter Gichangi said that this year TUM will open the first school of medicine in the coast region. He lauded the Estonia delegation for choosing to work with TUM on matters of research.

After the two-day meeting at TUM, the Tallinn University envoy visited Swahilipot Hub, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and the Government Chemists.