Yobe Govt., Moroccan Varsity Discuss Exchange Partnership For Staff, Students
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Yobe State Government and Mohammed VI University in Ben Guerir, Morocco, have initiated talks for the exchange of staff and students to deepen learning and research.
A statement by Mamman Mohammed, Director-General Press and Media Affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni, said a delegation from Yobe led by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, on Thursday visited the university in Morocco to initiate discussions on the exchange programme.
Already, an official of the university, Lamia Idbilti, said the institution was open to the partnership.
Lamia said the institution is currently running 160 partnership programmes and would be glad to add Yobe state.
She explained that the university offers direct scholarship to staff and students, and runs exchange programmes for first degree, Masters and Doctorate programmes.
She added that beneficiaries have opportunity to study Agriculture, Medical Sciences, Computer Engineering, Architecture, Green Technology, Humanities and Hospitality courses among others.
Lamia, who is the Director Corporate Communications of the University, said the partnership would also benefit the state in Science Energy and Nano Engineering for the development of green energy.
“As a developing economy, Yobe State has to start investing in this regard because it is the issue of the moment that needs proactive measures”.
The team lead, Baba Malam Wali, said Yobe state government would explore the opportunities available in the university for staff of higher institutions in the state.
“Government would strive to meet the required conditions for our lecturers to go on sabbatical and for the students to enjoy the exchange and sponsorship programmes,” he said.
The state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, said the partnership would be an excellent opportunity for capacity building of staff and students.
“These are mostly entrepreneurial courses that are marketable with prospects for direct employment and wealth creation” Prof. Kawuwa said.
Also, Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara- Gombe, Chief Executive Officer, African Network Center, a consulting firm, said they would move ahead of time to complete the partnership procedures.
“We have no time to waste, we are moving fast to solidify the dialogue to set the partnership in motion.
“It is the ambition of all parties to see that this partnership materialises in earnest to secure the admission for both the staff and students to commence the programmes,” Ahmed said.
