Indian varsity pledges assistance to Jigawa

Integral University Lucknow in India has pledged to partner with Jigawa State Government in areas of educational development, focusing on research and advanced technology, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr Syed Nadeem Akhtar, stated after meeting with Governor Umar Namadiat Government House Dutse, yesterday.

The institution was the first “minority university” enacted as an Islamic faith-based institute in India.

Akhtar stated that the university had been recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology.

The team, led by Akhtar, told the governor that the visit was to forge a partnership with the state, notably in areas of research and qualitative education provision.

He further stated that the university was known for its expertise in engineering, architecture, medical, pharmaceutical and culinary sciences, and that degree programmes were run with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) in mind.

Responding, Namadi appreciated the visitors’ presence, assuring them of his readiness to collaborate with them in educational development. Particularly, he appreciated the pro-chancellor’s offer to put up a campus, while mentioning the advantageous topography, location and peace in Jigawa.

He said: “We have over 160 students, who were studying in Sudan. But because of the volatile situation there, we cannot take them back. We took them there in the first place, so that they would maintain their Islamic faith, because of the similarity of religion and culture between us and Sudan.

“Parents would be happy to send their children to you as an Islamic university, though India is very far from here. But putting up a campus here will definitely entice people from our neighbouring states like Kano, Yobe, Bauchi and Katsina to patronise you.

“You are most welcome. I am very happy for you for such a courageous attempt of establishing an Islamic university in a country like India. May Allah guide you.”

The governor also reiterated his administration’s resolve to revert Jigawa to its status as an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub, which his 12-point electoral campaign agenda entails.

“It is in our 12-point agenda to provide middle-level manpower training for the youths. We have teeming youths, and it is our priority to empower them with skills. In the state right now, we have seven skill acquisition centres, which we intend to fully utilise to fulfil our promises to the people,” he added.

Namadi thanked the visitors for choosing Jigawa as a state with potential for educational collaboration, urging them to liaise with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology for the actualisation of the developmental objective.