NEU, partners Malaysian universities to drive innovation, technological advancement

By Najib Sani, Gombe

The North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, Gombe State, has signed partnership with two top-ranking Malaysian universities, University of Malaya and University of Technology Malaysia, to drive technological advancement and innovation.

According to a press release signed by the assistant information officer of NEU, Mukhtar Sani Saulawa, and issued to our correspondent, the partnership aims to enhance academic excellence, research, and global competitiveness, positioning NEU as a hub for development and growth.

He said the agreements were finalised during an official visit to Malaysia led by Dr Sani Jauro, founder and Pro-Chancellor of NEU.

Under the partnership, he said lecturers and researchers from North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, and their Malaysian counterparts will co-teach courses and conduct joint seminars across disciplines, share pedagogical methods and integrate new teaching technologies, engage in joint supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

He added that the students can apply for international research grants and co-author publications in highly rated journals, and access shared digital resources, including libraries, e-learning platforms, and laboratory databases.

He quoted the the NEU Pro-chancellor as saying the partnership reflects the university’s vision of becoming a “nexus for development”, a university that combines academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration to produce graduates equipped for 21st-century challenges.

Jauro stated that through the initiative, NEU students will gain exposure to some of the best universities and advanced learning facilities in the world and opportunities to make lasting international friendships and professional connections.

According to him, the partnership will also give them access to cutting-edge teaching and research infrastructure that may not yet be available in Nigeria adding that credits earned abroad will be fully transferable under the partnership’s joint academic framework.

“One of the major highlights of the collaboration is the student exchange programme, allowing NEU students to study in Malaysia and experience world-class academic environments.

“This initiative will provide students with exposure to top-ranking universities, advanced learning facilities, and opportunities to make lasting international friendships and professional connections”, he said.

He added that the partnership will also facilitate staff exchange, joint research, and shared innovation projects between the Malaysian universities and NEU.

While the University of Malaya and the University of Technology Malaysia both commended NEU’s commitment to advancing education through global partnerships, emphasising that collaboration is the engine of modern research and innovation.