From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
North-West University Sokoto has signed its first international Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Lahore, Pakistan, to promote academic collaboration and research exchange.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference, describing the agreement as a milestone in the institution’s drive towards internationalisation and capacity development.
According to him, the partnership aligns with the vision of the Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, to advance higher education through cross-border cooperation and position the university within the global academic community.
Bunza explained that the MoU provides a structured framework for cooperation in teaching, research, training and scholarly exchange.
He said both institutions would explore collaboration in academic exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, curriculum development and professional training.
The agreement also covers participation in seminars, conferences, workshops and other academic engagements aimed at promoting best practices in higher education delivery.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the partnership would create opportunities for staff and student mobility, collaborative academic development and sharing of institutional expertise to enhance research output and foster intercultural understanding.
He emphasised that the agreement is anchored on the National Universities Commission’s framework on Transnational Education to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, quality assurance standards and regulatory provisions governing cross-border academic partnerships.
According to him, the alignment with regulatory guidelines reinforces transparency and academic integrity while supporting the university’s objective of responsibly internationalising its programmes.
Bunza expressed appreciation to the management of the University of Lahore and expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver mutual benefits to both institutions and their students.