NWUS, University of Lahore ink strategic MoU on research, academic exchange

Northwest University Sokoto (NWUS) has taken a major step towards global academic engagement following the signing of its first international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Lahore, Pakistan, aimed at strengthening academic collaboration, research exchange, and institutional development.

The Vice-Chancellor of NWUS, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference, describing the agreement as a significant milestone in the university’s strategic drive towards internationalisation and capacity building.

According to him, the partnership reflects the broader vision of the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, to advance higher education through cross-border academic cooperation and position the university competitively within the global academic community.

Prof. Bunza explained that the MoU provides a structured framework for collaboration in teaching, research, professional training, and scholarly exchange.

He noted that the agreement is designed to strengthen institutional capacity while expanding learning opportunities for both students and academic staff.

He further stated that both institutions will explore areas of collaboration including academic exchange programmes, joint research projects, curriculum development and enrichment, as well as professional and technical training initiatives.

The partnership also allows for joint participation in seminars, conferences, workshops, and other academic engagements aimed at promoting global best practices in higher education delivery.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the agreement opens new opportunities for staff and student mobility, collaborative academic development, and knowledge sharing.

These initiatives, he said, are expected to boost research productivity, enhance innovation, and promote intercultural understanding among participants.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the partnership, Prof. Bunza said the MoU represents a practical commitment to building sustainable academic bridges capable of delivering measurable outcomes in research output, human capital development, and overall educational quality.

He also noted that the agreement is anchored on the National Universities Commission (NUC) framework on Transnational Education.

This, according to him, ensures full compliance with accreditation standards, institutional capacity requirements, and quality assurance mechanisms governing cross-border academic collaborations.

Prof. Bunza said alignment with national regulatory provisions will strengthen transparency, uphold academic integrity, and support NWUS’s objective of responsibly internationalising its academic programmes in line with Nigeria’s transnational education policy framework.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the management and leadership of the University of Lahore for their cooperation and commitment to the partnership.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver mutual benefits to both institutions, their students, and the wider society.