Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has formalised a strategic partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) in the United States of America, by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to pave the way for the establishment of a world-class Faculty of Agriculture at Gombe State University (GSU).
The Governor led a delegation to MSU as part of a working visit aimed at deepening international partnerships in agricultural development, research, and capacity building.
Director General for Press Affairs to the Gombe State governor, Isma’il Uba Misilli, who revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, explained that the letter was signed during a ceremony attended by senior MSU officials.
Those at the ceremony include the Chair of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Professor Bradley Marks; Assistant Dean, Professor Karim Maredia; and Director of International Programmes.
According to Misilli, the partnership outlines several key areas of collaboration, including joint research initiatives, curriculum co-development, faculty and student exchanges and joint projects focusing on sustainable agriculture, water management, landscape restoration and renewable energy applications.
Governor Yahaya commended MSU’s global leadership in agricultural transformation and emphasised the importance of North-South cooperation.
“This partnership is a cornerstone of our administration’s drive for sustainable development. We are leveraging MSU’s world-class expertise to build a premier agricultural institution in Gombe State.
“While GSU benefits immensely, MSU faculty and students will also gain valuable insight through engagement with Africa’s dynamic agricultural landscape,” he said.
The Governor also held technical meetings with faculty from MSU’s Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering, including Professors Ajit Srivastava, Narendra Das, Daniel Morris, and Daniel Uyeh.
Governor Yahaya was conducted through a tour of MSU South Campus Farms with Professor Barry Bradford, Jacquelyn Perkin, and Professor Uyeh.
Further engagements took place at the MSU African Studies Centre, where the Governor and his delegation were received by Professor Leo Zulu; Alliance for African Partnership Co-Directors – Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison and the Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programmes, Professor Titus Awokuse.
Discussions focused on providing research and institutional support for the planned College of Agriculture at GSU.
Governor Yahaya reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to the partnership, citing the recent approval of N1.1 billion for the takeoff of the Faculty of Agriculture in Malam Sidi and the allocation of 365 hectares of land for research, extension services and future expansion.
He disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has already granted formal approval for the establishment of the college, with academic programmes set to commence in the 2025/2026 session.
Professor Marks praised Governor Yahaya’s vision and strong commitment and the follow-up visit. “This Letter of Intent reflects a shared determination to deliver a transformative academic partnership,” he stated.
The Gombe State delegation included the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Aliyu Baba Manu; member, GSU Governing Council, Barr. Moljengo Kaltungo; Chairman, Gombe State Drugs Management Agency, Dr. Ismail Jibrin; and Director General, Research and Documentation, Ahmed Husaini.
