By Mohammed Baba Busu
Niger State Government, says it is strengthening its partnership with Kent State University in its continuing efforts to improve on the standard of education in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo stated this on Saturday in Minna.
He said the aimed of strengthening the partnership is to creating opportunities in higher education, developmental interventions, business, and investment between Kent State University, the Ohio Department of Development, and Niger State.
Ebbo noted that the meeting was held with the representatives from the Office of Global Education, the Department of Administration, the Ohio Governor’s Office, and the Provost of Kent State University.
He added that building on a previously signed Global MoU by Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago was to pursue specific initiatives in the pilot phase of the partnership.
“The commissioner signed a letter of intent on behalf of the Niger state government with Kent State’s Provost,” he said.
According to Ebbo, Niger State has secured a startup location for the Centre at Abdulkadir Kure University Minna to be launched soon.
“Where students will also have the option to study fully online from Nigeria, earning either a U.S. degree or a dual degree of U.S. and Nigerian,” he said
The special adviser said the center will oversee several programmes, including a two-plus-two degree initiative where undergraduate students from Niger State can complete the first two years of their studies in Nigeria.
“And the remaining two years in the United States at half the tuition cost.,” he said
Ebbo further revealed areas of collaboration to include; student and lecturer exchange programmes, executive and leadership programs, aviation studies, vocational skills development, fashion, sports, and investment opportunities through the State of Ohio.
He stressed that the growing partnership between Niger State government and Kent State University would also enhance socio economic development in the state.
Earlier, the Niger state delegation was led by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo, accompanied by the Special Advisers to the Governor on Special Duties, Social Investment and Domestic Affairs, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana and Hauwa Bako as well as Abdulakeem Oshinuga.