UNN Expands Global Reach With Strategic Partnership With Nelson Mandela University

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has strengthened its international footprint through the formalisation of a strategic partnership with Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), one of South Africa’s leading higher education institutions.

The partnership was concluded on June 6, 2026, during a signing ceremony held at Nelson Mandela University, where the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, and the Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, Prof. Sibongile Muthwa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing academic excellence, research collaboration, and institutional development.

Under the agreement, both institutions established a cooperation framework covering philosophy; development of joint research projects and collaborative research funding proposals; staff and student exchange programmes; joint organisation of conferences, workshops, and other academic events of mutual interest; and promotion of collaborative research, publications, and scholarly engagement among academic staff of both universities.

Beyond the signing ceremony, discussions were held on future collaboration opportunities across Nelson Mandela University’s seven faculties and several flagship institutes and centres. These include the Transdisciplinary Institute for Mandela Studies, Centre for Philosophy in Africa, Science Centre, Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Centre for Community Technologies, and the Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation (CriSHET).

The UNN delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor included Prof. Anthony A. Attama, Director of Academic Planning; Prof. Malachy I. Okwueze, Professor of Religion and Cultural Studies; and Barr. Mrs. Grace Ngozi Okoene, Technical Consultant to the Vice-Chancellor on MoU Negotiation and Development.

The MoU signing was witnessed by senior executives of Nelson Mandela University, including Prof. Muronga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation; Prof. Keet, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation; and Prof. Moeng, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching. Also present were deans of faculties, directors of research centres, and other senior university officials.

In a related engagement, Prof. Ortuanya and his delegation participated in a high-level meeting with leaders of the Australia-Africa Universities Network (AAUN) on June 7, 2026, held at Southern Sun The Marine, Gqeberha, South Africa.

The AAUN is a consortium of universities from Australia and Africa established to strengthen research, innovation, and development partnerships between the two regions. It facilitates comparative dialogue, promotes knowledge and policy exchange, and supports collaborative research and innovation platforms addressing shared developmental priorities.

UNN’s participation in the AAUN meeting is expected to expand opportunities for strategic global partnerships aligned with its vision of becoming a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, impactful research, and international relevance.