The Founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo on Wednesday received in audience the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Nigeria, Mr. Jamal Mohammed Barrow.
The envoy, who was accompanied by some top Management staff of SIMAD University, Somalia, were in MAAUN to explore areas of possible academic cooperation.
The diplomat was in company of the Rector of SIMAD University, Prof. (Dr.) Dahir Hassan and Director for International Collaboration, Dr. Abdikarim M. Ahmed.
In his remarks, the ambassador expressed the desire of his country to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchange with reputable institutions in Nigeria in order to continue to cement the existing bond between the two countries.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration between MAAUN and SIMAD University would no doubt enhance the academic and scientific development of the parties involved.
Mr Barrow, who narrated a long line of historical affiliations between Nigeria and Somalia, said they chose to seek partnership with Nigerian universities because the country has all the resources, manpower and competence required for any meaningful collaborations.
He revealed that Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria is the only private institution in the country that was selected for cooperation in view of its track record in academic excellence.
On his part, Prof. (Dr.) Dahir Hassan, highlighted the specific areas SIMAD University is interested in the partnership which include joint research projects, co-authorships in publications as well as staff and student exchange programs.
He stressed that, given the level of seriousness of the two universities, the partnership would be a significant milestone that would foster cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In his address, Prof. Gwarzo, while thanking the diplomat for the visit, expressed the university’s readiness to partner SIMAD University for the mutual benefits of the two institutions
He expressed full support for the partnership and pledged to use the Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation, a research center based in MAAUN, to provide adequate training and capacity building workshops to staff and students of SIMAD University in order to rebuild their institutional image.
He noted that it would be the first time MAAUN would collaborate with a university in the East African sub-region.
Prof. Gwarzo said the signing of the MoU, would enable MAAUN to make its medical laboratories and clinical facilities available for use by the students and staff of SIMAD University in a drive to build the future of Africa.
He then urged the Management of SIMAD University to intensify effort towards collaboration with excellent academia in the continent.
Prof. Gwarzo further expressed the commitment to establishing a students club, where students of the two universities would have the opportunity to exchange ideas and promote knowledge sharing.
He thanked the team for considering MAAUN worthy of the visit while praying for their safe return to their destination.
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