The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has officially entered into a strategic collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) in the USA by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI). This agreement sets the foundation for establishing a top-tier Faculty of Agriculture at Gombe State University (GSU).
Leading a delegation on a mission to strengthen global partnerships in agricultural innovation, research, and capacity enhancement, Governor Yahaya visited MSU to explore avenues for cooperation.
Isma’il Uba Misilli, the Director General for Press Affairs to the Governor, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the signing ceremony was attended by prominent MSU officials.
Among the attendees were Professor Bradley Marks, Chair of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Professor Karim Maredia, Assistant Dean; and the Director of International Programs.
The collaboration focuses on multiple key areas such as joint research projects, co-creation of academic curricula, exchange programs for faculty and students, and collaborative initiatives targeting sustainable farming practices, water resource management, ecosystem restoration, and renewable energy technologies.
Governor Yahaya lauded MSU’s leadership role in advancing agricultural development worldwide and highlighted the significance of partnerships bridging the Global North and South.
“This alliance is pivotal to our administration’s vision for sustainable progress. By harnessing MSU’s expertise, we aim to develop a leading agricultural faculty in Gombe State,” he remarked.
“While GSU stands to gain substantially, MSU’s academic community will also benefit from firsthand experience with Africa’s vibrant agricultural environment,” he added.
During his visit, Governor Yahaya engaged in technical discussions with faculty members from MSU’s Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, as well as Electrical and Computer Engineering. Notable professors involved included Ajit Srivastava, Narendra Das, Daniel Morris, and Daniel Uyeh.
The Governor was also given a guided tour of MSU’s South Campus Farms by Professor Barry Bradford, Jacquelyn Perkin, and Professor Uyeh, providing practical insights into advanced agricultural practices.
Additional meetings were held at the MSU African Studies Centre, where the delegation met with Professor Leo Zulu; Alliance for African Partnership Co-Directors Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison; and Professor Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programs.
These discussions centered on securing research and institutional backing for the forthcoming College of Agriculture at GSU.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to this partnership, noting the recent allocation of N1.1 billion to launch the Faculty of Agriculture in Malam Sidi, alongside the provision of 365 hectares of land designated for research, extension services, and future growth.
He also revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially approved the establishment of the college, with academic sessions slated to begin in the 2025/2026 academic year.
Professor Marks commended Governor Yahaya’s visionary leadership and commitment, emphasizing that the Letter of Intent symbolizes a mutual resolve to foster a transformative academic collaboration.
The Gombe State delegation comprised Hon. Aliyu Baba Manu, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations; Barr. Moljengo Kaltungo, member of the GSU Governing Council; Dr. Ismail Jibrin, Chairman of the Gombe State Drugs Management Agency; and Ahmed Husaini, Director General of Research and Documentation.
