University of Maiduguri and University of Hamburg Scholar Revives Trans-Saharan Research Partnership After 14-Year Hiatus

After fourteen years since his last visit in 2011, Prof. Dr. Dmitry Bondarev of the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures, University of Hamburg, Germany, has returned to the Centre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies to revive a dormant international research collaboration.

The visit was aimed at exploring pathways for renewing the long-standing academic relationship between both institutions, which had previously produced a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that expired in 2020. At the Centre, Prof. Bondarev was formally received by the Director, Prof. Muhammad Mai Abubakar, and other members of staff, where extensive discussions were held on reactivating the partnership and expanding cooperation into new research areas of shared interest.

Key among the proposed focus areas are Manuscript Preservation and Conservation, as well as the Study of Ajami Manuscripts—both central to the core mandate of the Centre. The visiting scholar was also conducted round key facilities, including the Manuscript Conservation Laboratory, Reference Library, Lecture Hall, and other operational units.

Prof. Bondarev later paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, who welcomed him warmly and expressed strong institutional support for the renewal of the collaboration with the University of Hamburg. The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining global research partnerships that drive knowledge production, innovation, and institutional development.

Following the engagement, the Vice-Chancellor directed the Director of the Centre to immediately commence the process of signing a new MoU between both parties. He also commended Prof. Bondarev for reconnecting with the University at a time when strategic international research collaborations are increasingly critical to academic growth and global relevance.