By Grace Ehi Unogwu FUDMA
The Federal University Dutsin-Ma, FUDMA, and Université Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi, UDDM, Niger Republic, have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in teaching, research, staff development, and student exchange programmes.
The landmark agreement was signed on Friday, 22nd May, 2026, during a three-day official collaboration visit by a four-member FUDMA delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Khalid Othman. The visit, from 21st to 23rd May, 2026, was approved by the FUDMA University Management Committee at its 235th Regular Meeting, following an invitation from the Nigerien university.
The formalisation of the partnership, first mooted in 2016, marks a significant milestone in leveraging the shared historical, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic ties between communities in Northern Nigeria and Southern Niger.
Security and Reception
Given cross-border security considerations, the Vice-Chancellor made robust logistical arrangements, liaising with the Nigerian Army. Personnel from the 17 Brigade, Katsina, provided security support, ensuring the delegation’s safe movement from Katsina to the border and throughout their stay. The UDDM management also deployed a two-member team to receive the FUDMA team at the border, facilitating seamless immigration and customs formalities — a gesture the FUDMA delegation deeply appreciated.
The delegation arrived in Maradi on Thursday, 21st May, 2026, and was received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UDDM, Dr Akourki Adamu, who stood in for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elhadji Gounga Mahamadou, who was away on official duty to Niamey.
Agriculture, Health and Cultural Engagements
The first major engagement was a comprehensive tour of the UDDM Agricultural Farm at the institution’s new campus. Hosted by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and senior staff, the FUDMA team inspected poultry units, livestock sections, fisheries facilities, and crop production areas.
Friday, 22nd May, 2026, was the busiest day. It began with a courtesy visit to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Maradi. The delegation, accompanied by UDDM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, was received by the Medical Director. Professor Othman shared FUDMA’s recent milestones, including successful NUC accreditation of programmes and ongoing efforts to establish an MBBS programme. He identified the hospital “as a strategic partner for medical research, clinical training, and staff exchange”. The Medical Director noted that “the hospital already serves many Nigerian patients and has collaborations with institutions like Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital”.
Thereafter, the team visited Eye Centre Maradi, a specialised ophthalmic institution established in 2009. The Centre’s Director explained its role in providing clinical training for UDDM students and its operational links in Northern Nigeria.
MoU Signing and High-Level Courtesy Visits
The highpoint of the visit was the formal signing of the MoU on Friday afternoon. After presentations on both universities’ academic structures, growth trajectories, and strategic visions, the Vice-Chancellors formally signed the document, with Professor Mohammed Khalid Othman signing on behalf of FUDMA, and Professor Elhadji Gounga Mahamadou signing for UDDM, witnessed by Barrister Mubarak Auwal Yakasai (FUDMA) and Dr Hamidin (UDDM).
In his response, Professor Othman noted that “FUDMA’s growing College of Health Sciences would benefit immensely from such a partnership in future clinical training and specialised research”. Professor M. K. Othman also commended UDDM’s practical approach to agricultural education and offered professional insights on improving productivity and commercial viability. Both sides identified potential collaboration in joint research, capacity building, extension services, and technology transfer between their Faculties of Agriculture.
Shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, the delegation, now joined by UDDM Vice-Chancellor Professor Elhadji Gounga Mahamadou, who had just returned from Niamey, paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Emir of Maradi. Professor Othman described the visit “as a homecoming”, emphasizing “the shared ancestry, language, and culture between Katsina and Maradi”. The Emir expressed delight, describing the collaboration “as a practical step to strengthen intellectual and cultural understanding across colonial-era borders”, and offered prayers for the partnership’s success.
The delegation then proceeded to the Office of the Governor of Maradi Prefecture, where the Governor received them warmly and was briefed on the MoU’s objectives. Professor Othman expressed gratitude for the State’s support and security cooperation. The Governor commended the universities’ foresight, reaffirmed the strong ties between Maradi and Katsina, and pledged his “administration’s support for any initiative promoting educational advancement and regional development”.
Outcomes and Condolences
As part of the ceremony, Professor Othman formally conveyed the condolences of the FUDMA Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff, and Students on the passing of Professor Ibrahim Wagani, a distinguished academic of UDDM. A condolence letter was presented, and prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The outcomes and recommendations collectively demonstrate that the visit successfully transitioned the partnership from a formal agreement to an actionable framework, with the exchange of institutional souvenirs and goodwill messages, symbolising a shared commitment to translating the MoU’s priorities — such as agriculture, health sciences, and community development — into concrete initiatives like staff exchanges and joint research, while the proposed Joint Implementation Committee and annual reviews ensure sustained monitoring and regional integration.
The FUDMA delegation described the visit as highly successful, noting that beyond the legal framework, the engagement has reinforced the enduring historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.
Professor Othman extended profound appreciation to the FUDMA University Management Committee for the confidence reposed in the delegation; the Management of UDDM for their exceptional hospitality; and the Commanding Officer and personnel of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, for their professionalism, cooperation, and unwavering commitment to ensuring the delegation’s safety throughout the cross-border assignment.
With the MoU now signed, both universities are poised to embark on a new era of cross-border academic excellence, research innovation, and regional development.