Vice Chancellor, Bowen University, Nigeria, Professor Jonathan Babalola and President, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, Wiebe Boer, have on behalf of their institutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to establish a collaborative partnership aimed at fostering academic and research cooperation.

In a statement, Babalola said that the memorandum was aimed at establishing the shared understanding by which the two institutions shall endeavour to realise common objectives to strengthen each other’s programmes and partnership activities.

The statement reads: “As a faith-based institution, Bowen is interested in partnering with Calvin in different areas of programming to learn more about how Calvin sustains a Christian identity as well as maintains academic excellence after nearly 150 years of existence.

“Prior to the signing of the MoU, the Carnegie Foundation had sponsored one of Calvin University’s African-born scholars to work with Bowen University’s Nursing Department between 2017 and 2021.

“The Calvin scholar interacted with Bowen’s faculty members and students. As a result of this successful partnership, Bowen is interested in a relationship with Calvin.

“The MoU brings about a significant milestone in the commitment of both universities to enhance educational opportunities, promote knowledge exchange, and strengthen research collaborations.”

By joining forces, the institutions aimed to create a dynamic partnership that will benefit faculty, students, and the broader academic community.”

Under the term, both institutions are to engage in exchange of faculty and staff members including semester and short-term study programmes, exchange of students to facilitate cross-cultural engagement and promote understanding of global health between the two institutions, joint efforts in research and curricular development, training of faculty, staff, and students, and design of other activities as deemed appropriate in mutual areas of interest.

Babalola and Boar expressed enthusiasm that the partnership would advance education, research and global cooperation.

They emphasised their commitment to nurturing a collaborative environment that fosters innovation, diversity and mutual understanding, saying, “the development marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in their shared pursuit of academic excellence. The partnership would also open doors to new opportunities, strengthen international ties, and create a lasting impact on education and research.”