North-Eastern University Seals Landmark Partnership With Chinese Science Association

North-Eastern University Seals Landmark Partnership With Chinese Science Association

By Khalid IDRIS, Doya 

A highly valuable Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, and the China Association for Science and Technology, alongside the China Overseas Talent Intelligence Alliance.

Described as another decisive step in NEU's global advancement, the agreement, signed on 15 November 2025 binds both parties under principles of mutual benefit, complementary strengths, and long-term cooperation.

The MoU signing took place in China, with NEU's delegation led by its Pro-Chancellor and Founder, Dr. Sani Jauro, FPIN, accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sani Isyaka, and Mr. Ahmad Jauro Sani, a Cybersecurity lecturer.

On the Chinese side, the agreement was signed by Mr. Fu Chujian (James), Chairman of Winning Star Group, representing both the China Association for Science and Technology and the China Overseas Talent Intelligence Alliance.

According to a statement issued by North-Eastern University, the partnership is strategic, technical, and economically aligned with the goals of all parties. Key commitments in the MoU include full training opportunities in China for NEU’s top graduates.

Others are One (1) Megawatt Solar Power Project for NEU; Establishment of the ‘Overseas Investment Promotion Station’ at NEU; Scientific Research Commercialization; Two-way Academic and Talent Exchange; and Industrial Support and Investment Matching.

The statement explained that under the agreement, the Association further pledged to sponsor and train NEU’s first 10 best-graduating students in China, offering exposure to advanced Chinese innovation across cutting-edge science and technology fields.

“In a direct boost to the university’s energy security, the Association is committed to establishing a 1MW solar power plant on NEU’s campus. This project will significantly enhance the university’s teaching, learning, and research environment,” the statement noted.

The MoU also authorises NEU to host an official cooperation station dedicated to positioning its research outputs for commercialisation in China. The station will link Nigerian innovations to Chinese industries, support cross-border investment and technology exchange, and serve as the permanent liaison office between both institutions.

NEU will provide a catalogue of its mature research and patented technologies across African medicinal plants, agriculture, health, engineering, new energy, ICT, and more. China, in turn, will provide industrial partners, funding pathways, and platforms for enterprise collaboration and industry integration.

The agreement further establishes a long-term mechanism for staff and student mobility. NEU lecturers and researchers will access Chinese universities, laboratories, and tech enterprises for training and joint research, while Chinese experts will visit NEU to deliver lectures, workshops, and technical training. Students will also gain internship and work-placement opportunities through partner industries in China. Both sides will explore the establishment of joint laboratories, research centres, and postgraduate training pipelines.

For key projects jointly recognised by both parties, China will coordinate companies to provide funding, commercialisation support, and industrial backing, while NEU will provide technical direction and research leadership.

“This partnership positions NEU not just as a Nigerian institution, but as an emerging African hub for technology exchange, scientific innovation, and cross-border research commercialisation. Truly, a Nexus for Development,” the statement concluded.