Two major universities in Adamawa State have signed a partnership agreement to boost academic ties. Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta witnessed the signing ceremony at ADSU's Abubakar Barde Campus in Mubi.
Adamawa State University and Modibbo Adama University inked the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday. The deal aims to strengthen research and teaching across both institutions.
Joint postgraduate supervision tops the collaboration agenda. Staff development and sabbatical exchanges also feature prominently in the agreement.
Both universities will share academic facilities and launch joint research programmes. They've committed to expanding knowledge through innovation-driven initiatives.
Professor Clement Augustine, ADSU's Vice Chancellor, outlined specific focus areas during the ceremony. His counterpart at MAU, Professor Ibrahim Umar Bobboi, added that livestock development would receive special attention.
Artificial insemination of indigenous cattle breeds forms part of the plan. New medical and allied health science programmes will also be introduced.
The universities intend to strengthen their Centre for Peace and Security Studies. Agricultural programmes will expand under the new arrangement.
Farauta commended both institutions for pursuing such a "strategic and impactful partnership." She said the move would enhance higher education throughout Adamawa and the broader region.
According to her, students need both classroom learning and practical skills. Nigeria's competitive global standing depends on such preparation, she noted.
Farauta reassured the universities of government backing for their transformation. She wants them to become world-class centres of learning and research.
She emphasised effective postgraduate supervision as critical to success. Knowledge expansion through research-driven approaches must continue, the Deputy Governor stressed.
Both Vice Chancellors disclosed that capacity-building for academic staff would accelerate. The collaboration prioritises producing more healthcare professionals for the state.
Management teams from ADSU presented gifts to Farauta before she left. She toured various facilities on campus during her visit.
Officials from both universities pledged full commitment to implementing the agreement's terms. They vowed to realise all stated objectives within agreed timelines.
The MoU represents a significant step forward for higher education in Adamawa. Both institutions believe it'll position them competitively on the national stage.
