Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and Central South University (CSU), China, have agreed to reactivate and broaden their 3+2 Double Degree Programme, marking a major revival of an academic partnership disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision was reached during a virtual meeting where both institutions resolved not only to restore the programme but also to expand cooperation into staff exchange, joint research supervision and other collaborative academic ventures.
The partnership, which began in 2017 under the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, enables students to spend three years at ABU and two years at CSU, graduating with degrees from both universities.
The programme became fully operational in 2018, with 45 ABU students forming the pioneer batch that proceeded to China to complete their studies at CSU.
However, the collaboration stalled around 2021 following global lockdowns occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during the virtual meeting, over the weekend, the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, who provided a historical overview of the partnership, described the initiative as a “flagship model for engineering education in Nigeria.”
He expressed deep appreciation to the CSU leadership for what he termed a highly productive engagement and for their renewed commitment to the programme.
Prof. Ahmed said ABU was encouraged by CSU’s readiness to revive the landmark initiative and expand its scope to include emerging and strategic fields such as medical and life sciences, renewable energy and computer engineering.
He added that the meeting reaffirmed the strong bond between the two institutions and underscored the enduring value of the China-Africa Cooperation framework.
The ABU Vice-Chancellor led a six-member delegation to the meeting, comprising the Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Prof. M. I. Umar-Buratai; Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. J. M. Kaura; Head, Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. B. H. S. Amartey; Assistant Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Dr. Ahmed Zakaria; and Coordinator of the 3+2 Double Degree Programme, Dr. Mohammed Ashiru.
On the CSU side, the team was led by its Vice-Chancellor, Li Zhihong, alongside the Director, Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Yin Gang; Dean, School of International Education, Zhan Liua; Dean, Faculty of Transport Engineering; Vice-Dean, School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Peng Yong; and Dean, School of Civil Engineering, Wang Weidong, among other senior officials.
Both universities expressed optimism that the revived partnership would further strengthen academic excellence, research collaboration and human capital development between Nigeria and China.
