Somali Envoy visits ABU, signs MoU for SIMAD varsity

The Somali Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Jamal Mohamed Barrow, was on a working visit to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria today during which he witnessed a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ABU and SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia. 

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The Envoy, who was received on arrival at the University, was in company of the Rector, SIMAD University, Dr. Dahir Hassan Abdi, and the Director for International Cooperation, SIMAD University, Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidi Ahmed. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is essentially to facilitate and develop a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship. 

It is also to encourage the development of academic and cultural exchanges between the two institutions through mutual assistance in the areas of education and research in the years to come. 

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Both institutions will seek to pursue staff and student exchanges and collaborative partnerships in the field of medicine, health sciences, technology, and research programmes. 

Areas for potential cooperation include, subject to mutual consent, exchange of medical students, internships, and visiting professors. 

They also included curriculum review, staff exchange, joint research projects, co-authorships of research papers, and external examinations. 

The two institutions, according to the MoU, shall develop specific projects to implement the mutual understanding outlined in the memorandum of understanding. 

Assistance shall also be carried out through activities or programmes relating to Higher Education, especially in such areas as benchmarking and peer review, medical collaboration, quality assurance as well as research and publications. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, signed the MoU on behalf of Ahmadu Bello University, while the Rector, Dr. Dahir Hassan Abdi, signed for SIMAD University. 

Earlier speaking, the Ambassador, Jamal Mohamed Barrow, explained why the Somali university sought to partner with Ahmadu Bello University. 

The Envoy said that as Somalia is now being rebuilt, SIMAD University is determined to produce local human resources for the African country. 

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, assured the Envoy and the two other members of his entourage that ABU would start the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding immediately. 

The Director, Directorate of University Advancement and International Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Sani Abba Aliyu, said while giving an insight into the MoU that the beauty of any Memorandum of Understanding is its faithful implementation. 

Also speaking, the Rector, SIMAD University, Dr. Dahir Hassan Abdi, talked briefly on Somalia and SIMAD University, expressing hope that ABU will be of tremendous help to the Somali university. 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Raymond B. Bako; Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila; and Bursar, Malam Mohammed Bello Aminu Gurin, assisted the Vice-Chancellor in receiving the Envoy. 

Others included Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Abdulhamid Gambo Liman; Director, Directorate of University Advancement and International Education, Prof. Sani Abba Aliyu; Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. M.S. Shehu; Director, Distance Learning Centre, Prof. M.I. Sule; Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Malam Auwalu Umar; Director, Directorate of Research and Innovation, Prof. J.J. Maina; and Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Malam Auwal Yusuf Mohammed.   

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Public Affairs Directorate , 

Office of the Vice-Chancellor, 

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 

Tuesday, 20th February, 2024