Ahmadu Bello University has expressed interest in the global faculty recruitment strategy of the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), China.
ABU, which appreciated SUSTech’s remarkable rise as a pioneer in China’s higher education reform, is also interested in its interdisciplinary research model.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, expressed ABU’s interest in these areas when he led a team from the Nigerian institution on a visit to the Chinese university in China.
At a meeting with SUSTech’s top officials, Prof Ahmed highlighted ABU’s strengths as Nigeria’s premier university in agriculture, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
The Vice-Chancellor also noted the growing role of the IIOE Nigeria National Centre in advancing digital education across the region.
He equally spoke on the tripartite agreement by ABU, SUSTech, and UNESCO-ICHEI signed on 23rd May, 2019.
Ahmed said the deal, focused on faculty/student exchange, joint research, and joint doctoral degree programs, could not be actualized due to COVID-19 and other factors.
The Vice-Chancellor, who was visibly impressed with the SUSTech’s research facilities, described the visit as an opportunity to revisit the MoU.
The team was received by the President, SUSTech, Prof Qikun Xue and other top officials of the Chinese university.
Prof Xue, who welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and members of the team, said 2026 holds special significance for China-Africa educational cooperation.
He said SUSTech, as a young and dynamic research university, remained committed to international engagement and innovation-driven education.
Prof Xue reiterated the great potential for collaboration in talent cultivation, research, and industry partnerships with ABU.
Xue went further to invite ABU faculty and postdoctoral researchers to use SUSTech’s research facilities, including Asia’s largest cryo-electron microscopy centre for joint research stays of one to two years.
There were further discussions that focused on shared commitment to innovation, standardization, and service to society by both universities.
The two universities are expected to work out details of a reviewed Mou in the next month or two.
It would focus on faculty/student exchange, joint doctoral program, and dual undergraduate-degree program with specific areas of interest(s) or programs determined.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Raymond B Bako.
Others on the entourage were the Director, Distance Learning Centre, Prof Muhammed Bashir Mu’azu and the Director, IAIICT, Prof Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun.
They also included the Deputy Director, IAIICT, Dr Bashir Halliru Sani and the Technical Lead, Dr Zaharaddeen Haruna.
