FAMU Announces Collaboration with the University of Abuja (Nigeria)

Florida A&M University signed a memorandum of agreement (MAO) with the University of Abuja to strengthen the bonds among the institutions; further the academic, social and cultural objectives of both institutions; and promote better understanding among the faculty, staff, and students of the respective institutions.

“This agreement focuses on the University’s mission to enhance our international initiatives and programs through education, research and outreach,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “This partnership will also expand the global experiences of our faculty and students and provide them with unique learning opportunities that will help them to achieve their goals.”

The collaboration will include, but not be limited to, the following: academic and cultural exchanges, which shall include program offerings; exchange of educational materials; research reports; reprints and other publications; faculty and staff development; joint research and development projects; student exchanges; joint programs; transfer of technology; and other scholarly pursuits.

“I am excited about this historic collaboration with the University of Abuja,” said Folakemi Odedina, professor and division director of Economic, Social and Administrative Pharmacy in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Given the strong genetic ties of African Americans to West Africans, especially Nigerians, this collaboration offers immense opportunity to address common problems faced by blacks of West African ancestry.”

Programs and activities may include faculty exchanges for teaching, training, and consultation; cross-disciplinary research; grant writing; study abroad; undergraduate and/or graduate student studies; internships/fellowships.

“I hope this initiative will help us to capitalize on the strengths of the international community at FAMU to provide additional language and cultural resources for our students in mobilizing our faculty and staff to engage and empower our students for global competence through study abroad, internships, language training, research and community service learning projects,” said Joseph Jones, interim director of the Office International Education and Development.

About the University of Abuja
The University of Abuja was established on January 1, 1988 (under Decree No. 110 of 1992 as amended) as a dual mode University with the mandate to run both conventional and distance learning programs. It was the first University in the country to assume such dual mandate.

The establishment of the University was in recognition by the Federal Government that the new Federal Capital requires a first class institution of learning that combines academic excellence with the pursuit of the Unity of Nigeria. In essence, it is to provide educational access and opportunities to all persons without distinction of race, sex or political convictions.