ABU, Morgan State University to jointly develop research initiatives on Afrocentric issues
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria and Morgan State University in the United States have expressed willingness to establish a long-term research initiative that will focus on Afrocentric issues such as cultural heritage preservation; socio-economic development, healthcare disparities; and environmental sustainability.
Both institutions also affirmed their commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership that not only advances academic scholarship but also addresses pressing challenges facing Nigeria, America, and the global African diaspora.
This was the outcome of the visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, on 29th March, 2024, to Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, where he was received by its President, David Kwabena Wilson.
The American University is presently hosting two academic staff members from Ahmadu Bello University, as doctoral students through Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Staff Training and Development Initiative. They are Abubakar Isa (Public Health) and Bello Mahmud Zailani (Civil Engineering).
The visit strengthens the existing relationship between the two universities and marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing collaboration between both institutions aimed at deepening ties and exploring opportunities for joint research initiatives and future collaboration.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bala and President Wilson discussed the rich history and shared values of both universities which are renowned for their commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement.
They also recognised the common challenges faced by their respective communities and the importance of leveraging on their strengths to collaboratively address these challenges.
The visit was rounded off with a tour of Morgan State University’s expansive campus, where Prof. Bala was impressed by the institution’s infrastructure blending historic and modern architecture, with facilities supporting cutting-edge research, innovation and student life.
On arrival for the visit, Prof. Bala was received by the President of the American University, David Kwabena Wilson and his team that included Vice-President for State and Federal Relations and Chief of Staff to the President, Dr. Don-Terry Veal; Assistant Vice-President, International Affairs, Dr. Yacob Astake; and Special Assistant to the President, Armada Grant.
Others were Executive Director, Office of Global Partnerships, Prof. Ibukunle Tijani; Interim Chair, Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. James Hunter; and Dr. Oludare Owolabi, Department of Civil Engineering, alongside the two ABU staff undertaking doctoral studies at the American university – Abubakar Isa (Public Health), and Bello Mahmud Zailani (Civil Engineering).
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Friday, 12th April, 2024
