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Varsity signs MoU with Texas institution on exchange programmes

By Iyabo Lawal
29 June 2018   |   4:00 am
A new vista in higher education in Nigeria was opened recently as Technical University (Tech U) Ibadan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Texas Technical University (TTU) on exchange programmes. 

Vice Provost, International Affairs, Texas Technical University, Prof. Sukant Misra (left); President, Prof. Lawrence Schovance, Vice Chancellor, Technical University, Ibadan, Prof. Ayobami Salami; and Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe shortly after signing the Memorandum of Understanding in Lubbock, Texas, United States

A new vista in higher education in Nigeria was opened recently as Technical University (Tech U) Ibadan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Texas Technical University (TTU) on exchange programmes.

With the MoU, the two institutions will start collaborations in form of exchange programmes for students, lecturers, researchers and other members of staff for internationalisation of their degree and post-graduate programmes.

Tech U may also emerge as the hub for TTU’s ‘Study Abroad Programme’ in Nigeria and other West African countries.

The exchange programme would commence during the 2019/2020 academic session with TTU students coming for their six weeks internship in factories and institutions in Nigeria.

Tagged ‘Collaborative agreement for study abroad and research’ between students and staff of the two institutions, the partnership will enable TechU students complete their degree programme at TTU and proceed to post graduate studies if they desire.

TTU has an expansive campus spread across the major parts of Lubbock, a serene city in Texas, United States.

Besides, the collaboration would provide a platform for students and staff of the Ibadan-based university to participate in short and postgraduate programmes where TTU has special capacity and competence. Researchers in both institutions will also collaborate in areas of common interest to internationalise their works.

In his remarks, the TTU President, Lawrence Schovance, said his institution was elated to expand scholarly activities to Nigeria through the partnership with TechU.

Schovance explained that the partnership was another step in the institution’s goal of widening its international operations to ensure that its students and faculty enjoy international enrichment in their studies and research.

He pointed out that the partnership will bring great opportunities to both students and faculty of the two institutions. He added that Nigeria has now become a priority for TTU in its efforts at achieving global connections for studying, teaching and research.

Elated Prof Salami disclosed that the major goal of TechU is to produce graduates who will be key players within the national space and in the larger global economy.

For it to happen, Salami said internationalisation is key, hence the huge satisfaction with the TTU partnership.

On funding and immigration challenges relating to the implementation of the partnership, Salami clarified that the institution does not fully rely on the government. He added that TechU already has three tiers of funding which include government, donors as well as the private sector and investors.

On his part, the Pro-Chancellor, TTU, Prof. Ibidapo-Obe, said the partnership was the first among the steps to take the new university to the international scene.

He assured that in the next 50 years, TechU would be a model university in Nigeria given this type of partnerships and related initiatives.

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