Towson University in Maryland Partners With a Nigerian University
Filed in Foreign Studies on February 27, 2018
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.
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!!
And we are happy to have your two sons studying in the Fisher College – they are excellent students!
Thank you so much! I am so proud of my sons and of TU! We love everything about Towson University.
Great initiative. I’m an alumnus of both great universities.
It’s great to hear from you, Samuel!
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.
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.
Dean Vanko,
Thank you for your leadship and commitment to both Universities.