UNIZIK Deepens International Collaboration with Kigali Independent University, Rwanda

In a significant step towards strengthening its global academic presence and advancing international collaboration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kigali Independent University (ULK), Rwanda, to foster cooperation in teaching, research, innovation, and staff and student development.

The agreement, developed in April 2026, provides a strategic framework for collaboration between the two institutions across several academic disciplines, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Education, Humanities, Management, and the Social Sciences.

The partnership is aimed at promoting academic, scientific and cultural exchange while facilitating the sharing of knowledge, expertise and best practices. It also seeks to encourage collaborative research initiatives that address contemporary societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.

Under the terms of the MoU, both universities will jointly organise conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia, exhibitions and professional short courses in areas of shared interest. The agreement also covers joint research projects, curriculum development, exchange of scholarly publications and scientific information, and collaborative authorship of research publications.

Other key areas of cooperation include joint teaching activities, cultural exchange programmes, staff development initiatives, the exchange of academic and administrative personnel, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate student exchange programmes. The institutions also agreed to collaborate in the joint supervision of Master's and Doctoral research while holding periodic meetings to evaluate progress and identify new opportunities for partnership.

To ensure the effective implementation of the agreement, each institution will appoint a designated MoU Coordinator to oversee and facilitate collaborative activities. The partnership will be driven by the strategic priorities of both universities while safeguarding intellectual property rights arising from joint research and innovation.

The Memorandum of Understanding will remain valid for an initial period of five years, with provision for renewal by mutual consent. It also outlines mechanisms for amicable dispute resolution and clarifies that the agreement does not create legally binding financial obligations on either institution, while allowing both parties to seek internal and external funding to support collaborative projects.

The MoU was formally signed during a virtual ceremony attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo; the Registrar, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke; the University Librarian, Prof. Jacinta Eze; and the Director of International Collaboration and Linkages, Prof. Charles Nwadigwe.

Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Anyaehie presented an overview of UNIZIK's academic programmes, campuses and affiliated institutions, expressing confidence that the partnership with Kigali Independent University would deliver lasting benefits to both institutions while promoting knowledge exchange, collaborative research and academic excellence across the African continent.

The Vice-Chancellor of Kigali Independent University, Prof. Martins Onyekwelu Onuorah, signed the agreement on behalf of the Rwandan institution and reaffirmed ULK's commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the partnership through close institutional collaboration.

The signing of the MoU marks another milestone in Nnamdi Azikiwe University's internationalisation drive and reflects the University's unwavering commitment to building strategic global partnerships that enhance teaching, research, innovation, capacity building, and international academic mobility for staff and students.