In a significant trajectory towards strengthening global partnerships both for academic excellence and cultural diversity, the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Centre for West African Studies of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for affiliation on May 13, 2024, which will see the two institutions collaborate for immense progress. This agreement will see the two institutions broaden their relationship and strengthen academic and cultural exchanges while also committing to give priority to each other in the promotion and development of this cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, interest, and advantage.

This colourful event that took place at the premises of the University of Makeni serves as the epoch of a strategic partnership that gears towards promoting cooperation, cultural exchanges, and knowledge-sharing between the two esteemed institutions.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Turay signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The MOU, however, outlines the framework of cooperation in various areas, including but not limited to:

· Education and research;

· Further training of staff;

· Exchange of lecturers;

· Exchange of students;

· Exchange of scholarly materials and information;

· And any other fields related to.

This all-important signing ceremony and momentous occasion in the university’s history is attended by the university dignitaries, including the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Turay, the registrar, Mr. Foday Bangura, the deputy vice chancellor of academics, Dr. Benedict Jalloh, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Justice Abdulai Charm, the administrator of Sylvanus Koroma Campus, Sister Magdelene Umoh, and all deans and heads of departments.

As the two institutions mutually agreed to embark on this journey of international cooperation, both are in full gear to seize the opportunity to leverage their strengths and resources to build a vibrant and dynamic academic and social community that transcends geographical limits. In bilateral cooperations where education and cultural exchanges are at the centre, there are unique outcomes that stand out: the power to inspire, innovate, and build networks of indelible imprints for several generations ahead. This stimulates creativity and effects constructive change that leaves a long-lasting mark on the higher education scenes of both countries and the global community.

In the strive for building an interconnected global environment, cooperations like this are a significant symbol of hope, as they always serve as the catalysts for progress and prosperity.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Makeni expresses his appreciation to the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and the Director of the Centre for West African Studies, Professor Zhao Shurong, for steering the wheels that got the two learning citadels to such a significant milestone. The two leaders both express excitement about the chances and possibilities that lie ahead of the two institutions, as well as the revolutionary impact that they may accomplish together in the no-distance future.

We are beginning this new chapter of partnership with CWAS of UESTC with full enthusiasm and total commitment, to work together to tackle global challenges, drive scientific advancements, share resources, and contribute to the body of knowledge in the different fields, said Prof. Joseph Turay in a conversation with CWAS Director after the signing ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor and his staff members posed for a photo after the signing ceremony of the MOU

Introduction

The Center for West African Studies of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (CWAS of UESTC)：

The Center for West African Studies of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (CWAS of UESTC) is a research center jointly established by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), University of Ghana (UG), University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED-UEW), and University for Development Studies (UDS) in April 2017. The Center is based in the School of Public Administration at UESTC under the leadership of Prof. Zhao Shurong.

The establishment of CWAS is an important initiative of UESTC to pursue China’s “Philosophy and Social Sciences ‘Going Global’ Strategy” and a beneficial practice for UESTC to build an international inter-disciplinary research system and a new type of high-level “Think Tank”.

In March 2021, the CWAS of UESTC was accredited by the Ministry of Education of China as the Center for International and Regional Studies for Universities.

Link：https://cwas.uestc.edu.cn/

University of Makeni (UNIMAK) of the Republic of Sierra Leone：

Link:https://unimak.edu.sl/