The Award was presented at the Cité des Sciences in Tunis earlier this month by Dr James Ransom, NCEE’s Head of Research, to Professor Jouhaina Gherib, Rector and President of the University of Manouba, with ben Cheikh Larbi Ahmed, Chief of Cabinet of the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Her Excellency Helen Winterton, UK Ambassador to Tunisia, in attendance.

The independent review panel found the University of Manouba’s application for the Entrepreneurial University Award to be strong, comprehensive, and well-rounded. They commended the university’s clear strategy and culture that prioritises entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as its robust infrastructure that supports the development of entrepreneurial skills and mindsets among students and staff. The reviewers also praised Manouba’s effective engagement with local communities, businesses, and other stakeholders, highlighting the institution’s diverse partnerships and its alignment of education and training with labour market needs. Furthermore, they recognised the university’s coherent and joined-up approach across the institution, showcasing a wide range of initiatives and activities that promote entrepreneurship, support staff and students, and contribute to meeting local and societal needs.

The Entrepreneurial University Award, launched by NCEE in 2024, is a rigorous accreditation scheme designed to recognise innovative, transformational universities making a significant impact on their communities and society. The award process includes a site visit, submission of a detailed application with supporting evidence, and a thorough evaluation by an independent expert review panel.

Ceri Nursaw, NCEE Chief Executive, said: “This Award recognises the exceptional work being undertaken at the University Manouba, and reflects the strong commitment to employability and enterprise. The Award is also the culmination of NCEE’s longstanding partnership with Tunisian higher education, supported by the British Council and the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. We look forward to continued collaboration and friendship in the years ahead.”

Chiraz Bassoumi, Director, Student Entrepreneurial Pole (UMAPEE), University of Manouba, said: “The NCEE Entrepreneurial University Award is a powerful statement of our commitment to empowering our students with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to become future leaders and change-makers. This prestigious recognition, the first of its kind in Africa, has validated our efforts and will serve as a catalyst for future growth. It positions the University of Manouba as a leader in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and supporting student innovation. This recognition will undoubtedly attract more ambitious students and open doors to exciting collaborations.

“We are proud to utilise the insights and recommendations from the NCEE to further enhance our entrepreneurial ecosystem and create impactful change within our community and beyond. We are thrilled to be leading the way in Africa and inspiring other universities to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.”

The NCEE Entrepreneurial University Award accreditation is valid for three years, during which the University of Manouba will join a global community of accredited entrepreneurial universities, sharing best practices and driving innovation in higher education.

About NCEE: The National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE) is an international organisation that focuses on promoting and developing entrepreneurial universities. We are a platform and collaborative network for sharing best practices, research and insights related to enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation, with a global network of 60 universities. 

For more information on the Award and to submit your interest, please visit https://ncee.org.uk/award/.