(B) CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE 1 Member States, in consultation with universities and Research Institutes, agree to establish Centres of Excellence in critical areas of research in order to maximise the use of scarce resources and expensive research facilities. The distribution of the Centres shall aim to achieve a regional spread and balance in location. 2 Member States, shall consult universities and research institutes to determine the modalities for selecting the Centres and priority areas of research. 3 Member States shall facilitate movement of researchers within SADC countries for purposes of research, consultancy work and related pursuits, by working towards relaxing and gradually eliminating immigration formalities that hinder free movement. 4 Member States agree that the sub-sector in consultation with the research institutes hosting the Centres of Excellence shall devise and implement monitoring and assessment mechanisms for ensuring that the centres dispense their mandate satisfactorily. · 5. Member States agree that where the results of monitoring and assessment are not satisfactory, the research institute concerned shall be given a period of two years to remedy the situation, failing which, the Member States shall withdraw the regional status and support. ARTICLE 9 CO-OPERATION IN LIFE-LONG EDUCATION AND TRAINING 1 Member States reaffirm their commitment to the achievement of universal literacy and numeracy in their countries in the shortest possible time and agree to commit the requisite resources to this end. 2 Member States agree that achieving universal literacy and numeracy is primarily a national responsibility and commit themselves to the establishment of national adult and distance learning centres which shall network nationally and regionally as necessary in order to strengthen their efforts. (A) DISTANCE EDUCATION 1 Member States agree that the objectives of distance education are, among others a) to improve access to education and training and to reduce the inequalities in the acquisition of education and training; b) to work towards achieving universal literacy and numeracy; c) to reduce the cost of education and training by maximising on the economies of scale offered by Distance Education; d) to develop of life skills. 16