Towson University in Maryland Partners With a Nigerian University

The Fisher College of Science and Mathematics at Towson University in Maryland has entered into a partnership with Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The partnership is the result of the African Centers of Excellence Project launched by the World Bank and the Association of African Universities in 2014. The goal of the project is to promote regional specialization in areas addressing common development challenges, strengthen the universities’ ability to deliver quality training and research, and meet the demand for required professional skills.

The partnership will include student and faculty exchanges and joint research projects. The agreement calls for academic exchanges that include information, materials and publications related to research, education and training to benefit both universities.

Saleha Suleman, assistant vice president for international initiatives at Towson University, notes that “a strong partnership with Obafemi Awolowo University is a win-win scenario for both institutions. For Towson University, this specific partnership will play a role in opening opportunities to contribute to the STEM capacity-building ventures of Nigeria and expand Towson University’s presence to the largest country on the African continent.”

There are currently 25 students from Nigeria enrolled at Towson University. Most are in graduate programs in STEM fields.

Towson University enrolls more than 19,000 undergraduates and more than 3,000 graduate students. African Americans make up 19 percent of the undergraduate student body.

Related Articles

8 COMMENTS

  1. This is an excellent and welcome initiative! I am so happy. It’s a win win for both institutions. My 2 sons are currently students (Graduate and Undergraduate) of Towson University. Go Tigers!!

  2. This is a great initiative. I graduated from Towson in 2007, and am very pleased to hear this. I would suggest TU to not neglect french speaking African countries, thus they are very much interested in such partnership.

  3. This is a fantastic idea that would encourage the retention of talent in Nigeria and reverse the brain drain trend of the last three decades. The next step is to secure funds for start ups so those graduates will create employment for the Nigerian youth.

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Graduate Enrollment Surges at Winston-Salem State University

In fall 2024, Winston-Salem State University enrolled 244 new graduate students, an increase of 31.2 percent from the prior year. The HBCU now enrolls nearly 600 graduate students.

Two Black Women College Presidents Announce Their Retirements

Gilda Barbino, president of Olin College of Engineering, and Soraya Coley, president of Cal Poly, Pomona, have announced their plans to retire at the end of this academic year. Both Dr. Barbino and Dr. Coley are the first woman presidents of their institutions.

Norfolk State University to Construct a $118 Million STEM Facility

As part of an ongoing $90 million fundraising campaign, Norfolk State University has announced plans to establish a 131,000-square-foot STEM building to advance its research capabilities and science academic programming.

Two Black Men Selected for Academic Appointments at Universities

The faculty members with new appointments are Christopher Small at Florida State University and Dwight McBride at Washington University in St. Louis.

Featured Jobs