Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has formalised an academic partnership with Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Haryana, India, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding conducted live online by both institutions.

The agreement covers joint events, exchange programmes, educational resource sharing and research cooperation, with both universities committing to promote teaching, learning and cultural exchange for the mutual benefit of their institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNIZIK Vice Chancellor Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie highlighted the growth potential of the institution and expressed confidence that the collaboration would further advance staff development and academic progress. His counterpart at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Professor Vijay Kumar, provided a brief background of the Indian institution, noting that it was named after a former Deputy Prime Minister of India.

Kumar pointed to what he described as a remarkable coincidence: both universities bear the names of statesmen who served their respective nations with distinction. He pledged his institution's commitment to sustaining the partnership for the benefit of both parties.

The ceremony was facilitated on the Nigerian side by Professor Charles Nwadigwe, Director of International Collaboration and Linkages at UNIZIK, and on the Indian side by Professor Anu Shukla, Dean of International Relations and Foreign Affairs at Chaudhary Devi Lal University. Both vice chancellors signed their respective copies of the MOU live during the session, with staff from both institutions present as witnesses.

Recognition was also extended to Dr Mirian Ngozi Alike of UNIZIK's Philosophy Department, whose academic relationship and friendship with Professor Shukla is credited with initiating the collaboration from its earliest stages. Her sustained effort and commitment are acknowledged as the foundation upon which the partnership was built.

The agreement marks a notable expansion of UNIZIK's international academic footprint under its current leadership.