MAAUN, ITF set to sign MoU on research, human capacity development

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Abuja, has expressed a strong commitment to signing a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), with Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria as part of an effort to promote collaborative teaching and research.

The ITF team, led by its Training Manager, Halima A. Rabo, expressed the commitment of the Agency when they paid a courtesy visit to the university on Wednesday, 30th August, 2023.

During the visit, the team was received by top management staff of the university, including the President, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, Dean, School of Social and Management Sciences, Dr. Mahmoud Muktar Saidu, Head, International Office, Engr. Bashir Garba, Secretary -General, (AAPU) Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna and representatives from School of Health Sciences, Dr. M. Kabir and Dr. Nazir.

In her remarks, Mrs Rabo noted that the visit was aimed at discussing possible areas of collaboration for the mutual benefits of the two prospective partners.

She identified the areas of partnership, which she said are subject for review, to include capacity development, organizing joint academic researches, conferences, seminars and symposia.

Other areas are faculty and research exchange, internship opportunities, consultancy services and joint publications.

While explaining some formalities about the operation of the ITF, Mrs Rabo advised the institution on the appointment of its SIWES director as well as coordinators at school levels so as to ensure smooth running of the scheme.

Mrs Rabo, who spoke on the ITF modus operandi, expressed profound gratitude to the founder of the institution, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo for granting them an audience as well as for his effort towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria.

Earlier in his address, the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr said the MoU would open a window of opportunities for the two organizations, especially MAAUN students who would gain hands-on training for professional development.

The meeting had recorded a series of deliberations and suggestions on the specific areas of mutual collaboration, whereas some items in the MoU draft were reviewed and improved to match the particular needs of the prospective partners.

Members from MAAUN were tasked to work on the reviewed version of the document and effect all the changes made during the sitting so that the final document can be presented during the next meeting for the official signing of the MoU.

In his closing remarks, the Vice President Administration, Dr. Habib Awais Abubakar, expressed sincere appreciation to the ITF team for finding time to pay the visit and discuss institutional collaboration in the areas that will be of benefit to both institutions.

He admitted that the meeting has been fruitful and had provided an enabling environment for cross fertilization of ideas.

Dr. Awais, who described ITF as a center of excellence, said when the partnership becomes a reality, the center has the wherewithal to build in MAAUN students technical skills and abilities for professional growth.

After the meeting, the ITF team were taken round some places in the university, after which an award was presented to the Founder and the President of MAAUN Kano, Prof. Gwarzo and Prof. Israr respectively.

Other ITF officials present during the visit were Engr. Sirajo Mohammad Tukur, AM Kano office, Halima Ismail Mohammad, Head of Training, Engr. Ibrahim Ibrahim, TDO- MSTC, Alhaji Nuhu Ibrahim, Engr. Aliyu Bello, PTDO- MSTC, Abuja and Zakaria Yusuf Saleh, Training Development Office, Abuja.