JOSTUM Deepens International Ties, Signs MoU With Ethiopian Varsity

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) in Benue State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Haramaya University, Ethiopia, as part of efforts to expand international academic opportunities for students and staff.

The vice-chancellor of JOSTUM, Prof. Isaac Itodo, who made this public, said the partnership is another step towards internationalising the university’s academic programmes and strengthening its presence within the global academic community.

He said Haramaya University, established in 1954, was one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most reputable higher institutions, adding that the agreement would create opportunities for academic cooperation between the two institutions.

Itodo explained that JOSTUM’s student exchange programme had already recorded progress, with 35 students visiting the University of Kigali, Rwanda, while another 30 participated in an exchange programme at the Ghana Institute, with sponsorship from the World Bank.

Itodo aded that the partnership with Haramaya University would enable the institution to identify more universities where qualified students could undertake international study placements.

He said, “Through our new partnership with Haramaya University, we hope to identify additional universities where qualified students can undertake international study placements.

“This will broaden their academic exposure, strengthen their professional competencies and provide valuable cross-cultural learning experiences.”

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that internationalisation went beyond signing agreements, noting that the university was committed to creating practical opportunities that would improve the quality of education and prepare students for global competition.

He added that the MoU would also provide a framework for staff exchange, collaborative research, joint publications, postgraduate training and other areas of academic cooperation.

“For me, internationalisation is not merely about signing agreements; it is about creating practical opportunities that improve the quality of education and prepare our students for a competitive global environment,” he said.

Itodo expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen the university’s institutional capacity, promote collaboration among African universities and open new opportunities for both students and staff.