Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has revived and expanded its dual degree programme with China’s Central South University (CSU) in a move aimed at strengthening technology and engineering education in Nigeria.
The Director of Public Affairs at ABU, Auwalu Umar, said on Sunday that the decision followed renewed commitments by both institutions during a virtual meeting held on December 19.
The 3+2 dual degree programme, which allows students to spend three years at ABU and two years at CSU to earn degrees from both universities, was initiated in 2017, launched in 2018, but suspended in 2021 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Umar explained that the partnership, established under the China-Africa Cooperation framework, has already demonstrated the benefits of cross-border academic collaboration, particularly in science and technology education.
“The programme commenced in 2018 with 45 ABU students studying in China but was disrupted in 2021 by COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite this setback, it clearly showed the strong value of international academic cooperation,” he said.
According to him, both institutions have now reaffirmed their commitment to international collaboration in engineering, science, and technology, leading to the reactivation of the scheme.
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Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, described the dual degree initiative as a flagship model for engineering education and global academic partnership.
He said the revived programme would enhance technology transfer, innovation, research capacity, and human capital development in Nigeria.
Ahmed added that the expanded partnership would also cover staff exchange programmes, joint research supervision, renewable energy, computer engineering, and medical sciences.
He described the ABU-CSU collaboration as a strong example of China-Africa cooperation aimed at advancing technological development and academic excellence.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
