MAAUN, Russian University to Partner on Geosciences Research

Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) is set to collaborate with Irkutsk National Research Technical University (INRTU), Russia, on Geosciences research and academic development. The partnership aims to foster academic exchange and research advancement in Earth Sciences.

The discussion on the proposed collaboration took place virtually on Thursday, with officials from both universities engaging in deliberations to identify key areas of cooperation. The initiative seeks to enhance knowledge-sharing and establish a research center that will be beneficial to Nigerian universities and beyond.

MAAUN President, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, highlighted the university’s academic structure, comprising seven schools offering 22 programs with a student population exceeding 5,000. He reiterated MAAUN’s commitment to providing necessary support for the partnership’s success, emphasizing its potential in research development.

Representing INRTU, Prof. Stepan S. Bykov, Vice Rector for International Affairs, acknowledged the university’s extensive collaborations worldwide and expressed optimism that this initiative would serve as a foundation for future partnerships. He stressed the importance of international academic cooperation in advancing research and innovation.

MAAUN Vice President of Administration, Dr. Habib Awais Abubakar, described the partnership as an opportunity to explore untapped areas in Geosciences. He noted that MAAUN, which has branches in Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, and Maradi (Niger Republic), is well-positioned to benefit from such an initiative.

Dr. Murtala Haruna, Director of General Studies at MAAUN, emphasized the significance of establishing a research center, stating that it would be instrumental not only for MAAUN but for Nigerian universities at large. Similarly, Prof. Mohammed Abubakar Mohammed, a Research Engineer at the Siberian School of Geosciences, lauded the collaboration, citing MAAUN’s strategic location in northern Nigeria, an area rich in mineral resources and vast land.

Additionally, Melenteva Anna, Head of the International Affairs Department at INRTU, commended MAAUN’s dedication to formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). She expressed confidence that both institutions would derive substantial benefits from the agreement.

The Head of MAAUN’s International Office, Engr. Bashir Garba, assured that all aspects of the partnership would receive due attention to ensure its successful implementation. Key MAAUN officials present at the virtual meeting included Malam Tukur Muntari, Head of Corporate Communications and Protocol Unit; Miss Janvi, Assistant Head of Career Guidance, Training, and Placement; and Hayatuddeen M. Abdallah, Public Relations Officer.

This collaboration is expected to pave the way for enhanced academic and research engagements between MAAUN and INRTU, setting a precedent for future international educational partnerships.