Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and PAN Nigeria Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on automobile research, innovation and local content development.
The partnership is also aimed at promoting technology transfer, manpower development and industrial competitiveness within Nigeria’s automotive sector.
The agreement was formalised through an MoU signed by both parties at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Under the partnership, ABU and PAN Nigeria will strengthen industry-academia collaboration to advance technical development, institutional growth, knowledge sharing and local capacity building.
The parties acknowledged that stronger links between academia and industry are essential to national industrialisation and the advancement of indigenous technology, while also supporting the development of technical skills and sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s automobile sector.
Key areas of collaboration include automobile research and development, local content development, components localisation, testing and validation, technical services, and human capital development.
The partnership will also cover innovation and technology transfer, knowledge sharing, policy support, repair and maintenance of university vehicles, as well as driver training and capacity development.
The MoU provides for the establishment of a joint steering committee comprising representatives of ABU and PAN Nigeria. The committee will identify and prioritise areas of collaboration, develop annual work plans, review project implementation and facilitate coordination between the two institutions.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, signed the agreement on behalf of the university, while PAN Nigeria’s Managing Director, Taiwo Oluleye, FCIS, signed on behalf of the company.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the university’s Registrar, Rabiu Samaila; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Bello Sabo; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Raymond B. Bako.
Others present included the Bursar, Malam Aminu Muhammad Bello Gurin; Acting University Librarian, Dr Abubakar Mohammed Abdullahi; Director, Advancement and International Education, Prof. M. I. Umar-Buratai; and Director, Research and Innovation, Prof. J. J. Maina.
PAN Nigeria’s Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Adekemi Adebayo, as well as members of staff from the Faculty of Engineering, also attended the ceremony.
The partnership is expected to deepen industry-academia collaboration and contribute to the development of indigenous automotive technology, skilled manpower and locally produced components in Nigeria.