The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has signed a Letter of Intent with Michigan State University (MSU), USA, to officially launch a top-tier Faculty of Agriculture at Gombe State University (GSU).
The agreement was signed during the Governor’s working visit to MSU, aimed at strengthening international collaboration in agriculture, research, and education.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior MSU officials, including Professor Bradley Marks, Chair of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Professor Karim Maredia, Assistant Dean and Director of International Programmes.
The partnership will cover areas such as joint research, shared curriculum design, staff and student exchange programmes, and collaborative projects focusing on sustainable agriculture, water use, land restoration, and renewable energy.
Governor Yahaya praised MSU for its global leadership in agricultural development and highlighted the importance of international cooperation.
“This partnership supports our goal of sustainable development in Gombe State. MSU brings world-class knowledge that will help us create a top agricultural institution. It’s a win-win, GSU will benefit, and MSU will also learn from Africa’s growing agricultural sector,” Governor Yahaya said.
During the visit, the Governor held technical discussions with MSU faculty members from the Departments of Agricultural Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering, including Professors Ajit Srivastava, Narendra Das, Daniel Morris, and Daniel Uyeh.
He also toured the MSU South Campus Farms, guided by Professor Barry Bradford, Jacquelyn Perkin, and Professor Uyeh.
Further meetings were held at MSU’s African Studies Centre, where the Governor and his team were welcomed by Professor Leo Zulu; Dr Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr Amy Jamison (Co-Directors of the Alliance for African Partnership); and Professor Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies.
The discussions focused on how MSU can support the new College of Agriculture at GSU through research and institutional partnerships.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s full support for the initiative, noting that ₦1.1 billion has been approved for the new faculty in Malam Sidi, alongside 365 hectares of land set aside for research and future growth.
He added that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had already approved the new faculty, and academic programmes would begin in the 2025/2026 academic year.
Professor Bradley Marks commended the Governor’s leadership and commitment.
“We’re impressed by His Excellency’s vision and commitment. This agreement reflects our shared goal of building a transformative academic partnership.”
Following the MSU visit, Governor Yahaya travelled to New York to take part in the 80th United Nations General Assembly.