De Montfort University’s (DMU) Leicester School of Architecture (LSA) has signed an important partnership with the top ranking Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), in the southwest of the country.
Set to create opportunities for students through #DMUglobal, the university’s ground-breaking international experience programme, the signing marks the start of an exciting collaboration with the school and took place during a recent visit by FUTA to DMU.
In line with DMU’s global drive, staff and students at both universities will have the opportunity to share knowledge and skills, encouraging cultural learning and integration.
Professor Raymond Quek, Head of LSA, said: “We are looking forward to an exciting future with FUTA and to contributing to the development of architecture education in Nigeria.”
Activities being explored include staff and student exchange programmes, summer and winter schools, field trips and mentoring, as well as two-way curriculum development, academic involvement and co-hosted conferences.
As part of being a truly international university, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between DMU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Strategic and International Partnership, James Gardner, and FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebiyi Daramola.
James Gardner said: “Partnerships are an extremely important part of DMU’s international strategy, helping us to forge links across the world as well as boosting global mobility and collaboration.
“I am honoured to have signed an MOU with FUTA and look forward to our future alliance, which will provide international opportunities for our students and staff.”
Helping to promote global education, research and cultural programmes benefitting both institutions, there are plans to partner with other subject areas within the university in the future.
DMU's Reader in Energy and Sustainable Development Dr Obas John Ebohon also attended the signing, as well as alumnae Dr Dorcas Ayeni.
LSA has been established for more than 110 years, with courses accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The school’s high quality was recognised by the latest Sunday Times league tables, which places the Architecture BA in the top 10 architecture courses in the country.
Posted on Friday 17 April 2015