By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Ojaja University, Eiyenkonrin, Ilorin, has partnered with the Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence.
The Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, stated this in Ilorin while speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with the delegation from the Kashim Ibrahim University.
Prof. Jeleel Ojuade of Ojaja University and Prof. Babagana Gutti of Kashim Ibrahim University during a delegation visit to Ilorin, Kwara.
He said that the Ojaja University and Kashim Ibrahim University have agreed to sign an MoU to boost academic excellence through student and staff exchange programmes.
According to him, the collaboration aims to foster cultural understanding, secure funding, and explore partnerships in key areas, enhancing the institutions’ research and development capabilities.
Ojuade also said that the partnership would also facilitate cultural exchange including music, arts, and traditions, promoting mutual understanding and respect among students and staff.
“The programme is a kind of family gathering, because Kashim Ibrahim University, formerly Borno State University, just appointed our Chancellor, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi-Ojaja II, who is the Proprietor of Ojaja University.
“This is a kind of fatherhood giving birth to two babies. If Ojaja University is Ooni’s baby, Kashim Ibrahim is another baby,” he said.
According to Ojuade, this is an opportunity for the varsities to leverage and create a partnership that will further synergize the relationship between the Yoruba and the Kanuri people.
He added that the collaboration aligns with efforts to strengthen academic ties and promote national unity through cultural exchange.
Also speaking, Prof. Gutti Babagana, the Vice Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, explained that while sharing the same Chancellor, the two varsities are now brothers.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships in enhancing academic excellence.
Babagana said that the collaboration would strengthen research capabilities, promote entrepreneurship, and improve employability skills among students.
He expressed enthusiasm in the partnership with Ojaja, adding that it would foster academic excellence and cultural exchange.
“The Ojaja as a private university and Kashim Ibrahim, a state university can come together and pull resources.
“The government and proprietor alone cannot give all that it takes for the universities,” he said.
Babagana said that individuals including the Ooni, the Vice President, who established Kashim Ibrahim University, and Alhaji Mohammad Indimi would use their good offices to promote the development of the two institutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
