Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sealed a major academic partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), United States, aimed at establishing a world-class Faculty of Agriculture at Gombe State University (GSU).
The agreement was formalized with the signing of a Letter of Intent during the governor’s visit to MSU. The event brought together senior officials of the university, including Professor Bradley Marks, Chair of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Professor Karim Maredia, Assistant Dean; and the Director of International Programmes.
The collaboration is expected to drive joint research projects, curriculum co-design, as well as faculty and student exchanges. Key focus areas include sustainable agriculture, water management, renewable energy applications, and landscape restoration, with benefits projected for both institutions.
Speaking at the signing, Governor Yahaya described the partnership as a milestone in Gombe’s pursuit of agricultural transformation. He stressed that the initiative reflects his administration’s vision for sustainable development and global collaboration. “This partnership is central to our goal of building a premier agricultural institution in Gombe State. While GSU will gain from MSU’s global expertise, the university’s faculty and students will also enrich their knowledge through engagement with Africa’s vibrant agricultural environment,” he noted.
During the visit, the governor held technical sessions with experts from MSU’s Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Notable participants included Professors Ajit Srivastava, Narendra Das, Daniel Morris, and Daniel Uyeh. He was also taken on a tour of MSU’s South Campus Farms, led by Professor Barry Bradford, Jacquelyn Perkin, and Professor Uyeh.
Further engagements followed at the MSU African Studies Centre, where the Gombe team met Professor Leo Zulu, alongside Alliance for African Partnership Co-Directors Dr. Jose Jackson-Malete and Dr. Amy Jamison, as well as Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programmes, Professor Titus Awokuse. Discussions centered on research collaboration and institutional support for the planned college at GSU.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his government’s readiness to fully support the initiative, citing the recent approval of N1.1 billion for the faculty’s takeoff in Malam Sidi and the allocation of 365 hectares of land for research, extension services, and expansion. He added that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has already approved the establishment of the faculty, with academic activities scheduled to commence in the 2025/2026 academic year.
Professor Bradley Marks lauded the governor’s vision and consistency, describing the agreement as “a reflection of shared determination to deliver a transformative academic partnership.”
The governor’s delegation to Michigan included Hon. Aliyu Baba Manu, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations; Barrister Moljengo M. Kaltungo, a member of the GSU Governing Council; Dr. Ismail Jibrin, Chairman of the Gombe State Drugs Management Agency; and Ahmed Husaini, Director General of Research and Documentation.
After concluding the engagements in Michigan, Governor Yahaya proceeded to New York, where he joined other leaders for the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
