MoU: MAAUN Varsities partner Islamic University in Uganda on Academic, Research Development

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria and Maryam Abacha American University of Niger have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) with a view to promote Academic programs and Research.

The signing of the document was conducted virtually on Tuesday, 28th March, 2023.

In his opening remarks, the President of Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo stressed the importance of the partnership as it will go a long way in promoting research for the development of Africa.

He expressed hope that the MoU would be of great significance in the areas of faculty exchange and exchange of knowledge for the promotion of internationalization skills.

Prof. Gwarzo, who described IUIU as one of the reputable Universities in Uganda, commended the management of the University for having interest to collaborate with Maryam Abacha American Universities, which is the home of intellectuals in the West African sub-region.

He gave assurance that MAAUN would do everything possible to ensure effective implementation of the MoU for the benefit of the Universities.

Also speaking, the President of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr highlighted the areas of collaboration with an emphasis on Academic programs and Research.

He said other areas of the collaboration are Research and Educational activities such as joint research educational development in the form of training or research activities or both.

According to him, the MoU would also focus on exchange of invitations to scholars of both institutions (Research personnel, and Graduate students) visits and sharing of experiences.

He added the scope of the MoU include Exchange of Invitations to scholars for participation in conferences, symposia and Seminars as well as Exchange of information in fields of interest to both parties.

On his part, the Rector, IUIU, Associate Prof. Dr. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, who gave a brief on the University, said the institution which was established 35 years ago, offers 125 accredited programs with over 10,000 students in four of its campuses.

He noted that IUIU had established partnerships with a number of Universities across the world especially in IOC member states in addition to conducting several international seminars and workshops

According to him, there are no fewer than 200 Nigerian students from Sokoto, Kaduna and other states currently studying in the University.

Prof. Dr. Gyagenda urged the the Universities to make the best use of the opportunity by ensuring full implementation of the identified areas of the MoU for the benefits of the institutions.

He also lauded the management of MAAUN for signing the document and expressed hope that it would be the beginning of better things to come between IUIU and MAAUN.

In his remarks, the Vice President Administration, Dr. Habib Awais Abubakar stressed the need for the three institutions to ensure full implementation of the mutual collaboration for the realization of its objective.

He said the areas of partnership if property implemented, especially transfer of technology, knowledge sharing, as well as students and Faculties exchange would go a long way in impacting on the institutions.

Dr. Abubakar, who described the MoU as a very good opportunity for the three Universities, assured that MAAUN would work hard to ensure the success of the collaboration.

The Vice President of MAAUN-MARADI, Dr. Shu’aibu Usman Tanko, who signed the MoU on behalf of the University, said MAAUN-MARADI has eight schools with over 48 different courses.

Dr. Tanko told the IUIU officials that MAAUN-MARADI had so far graduated over 10, 000 students, and expressed hope that the partnership would give the universities the opportunity to achieve greatness especially in the areas of research collaboration and innovation for academic excellence.

The Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) IUIU, Dr. Jamil Serwanga expressed appreciation to the Founder and Management staff of the Universities for the initiative.

He expressed hope that the partnership would yield the desired results in view of its importance to the development of education.

Among other top management staff that witnessed the virtual MoU signing ceremony from MAAUN side included the Director, Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna who gave Vote of thanks, Coordinator, General Education, Dr. Abdullahi Garba and Engr. Bashir Garba, Head of International Relations Unit of MAAUN.