The Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, is exploring a strategic academic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).
The proposed collaboration is expected to focus on research, innovation, postgraduate education, student mobility, capacity building and international knowledge exchange.
Read also: NBC Embraces Digital Transformation With New PMS Training
This followed a visit by a delegation from KFUPM to MAAUN in Kano, as part of discussions towards a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
The KFUPM delegation, led by Dr. Abdulhakam Abdullahi and Dr. Abdussalam Maidaula, was received by MAAUN’s Acting President, Professor Ibrahim Alhaji Lawal, alongside senior university officials.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Lawal described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen relations between the two institutions and identify practical areas of academic cooperation.
He highlighted joint research and knowledge exchange as potential areas of collaboration that could create opportunities for students, academics and researchers.
MAAUN Vice President, Administration, Dr. Habib Awais Abubakar, called for a practical framework that would ensure the proposed partnership goes beyond the signing of an MoU.
He said the collaboration should translate into concrete activities, including research projects, academic exchanges, student opportunities and capacity-building programmes.
During the engagement, both sides discussed possible cooperation in research, postgraduate studies, academic exchanges, student mobility, innovation and capacity development.
Read also: SFH, IRC Join Forces to Bring Lifesaving Care Closer to Vulnerable
Giving an overview of KFUPM, Dr. Abdulhakam Abdullahi said the Saudi university, established in 1963, has developed expertise in energy, science, engineering and research.
He said the university’s international partnerships could provide a basis for expanding academic and research linkages with MAAUN.
The Director of the Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation, IAHERI, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Haruna, said MAAUN has more than 70 active Memoranda of Understanding with universities and institutions across 31 countries.
He said the university’s international partnerships provide opportunities for further global academic cooperation.
Professor Haruna also highlighted MAAUN’s research profile, noting that the university was ranked second among private universities in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index, which assesses the scientific performance and productivity of researchers and institutions.
The KFUPM delegation also interacted with selected MAAUN students, providing information on academic programmes and opportunities available at the Saudi university.
The engagement enabled students to ask questions and learn about possible international academic pathways, including opportunities for learning, mobility and research exposure.
If concluded, the proposed MAAUN-KFUPM partnership could provide a framework for academics, researchers and students from both institutions to collaborate in areas including science, engineering, technology, innovation and postgraduate education.
Read also: Nigeria’s Future Depends on Youth Values, Says NOA
Other MAAUN officials at the engagement included the Dean, Postgraduate School, Professor Ahmad Maigari Ibrahim; Vice President, Campus Life, Dr. Kabir Abdullahi; Director, Human Resources, Mrs. Maimuna S. Bello; Director, Education Support, Dr. Musa Uba; Head of International Office, Engineer Bashir Garba, as well as deans and faculty members.
Discussions are expected to continue towards developing the proposed MoU and identifying specific programmes and research activities that could benefit students, academics and both institutions.