To strengthen academic ties Dominican University, Ibadan, has entered into a partnership agreement with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed following a courtesy visit by Dominican University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jacinta Opara, to NISER’s headquarters in Ibadan on August 14, 2024.
During the visit, Prof. Opara held discussions with NISER’s Director-General, Prof. Anthonia Taiye Simbine, and other senior officials, exploring potential areas of collaboration. The partnership aims to advance knowledge, research, and development within the social and economic sectors, with a focus on influencing policy and fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.
The agreement outlines various collaborative efforts, including joint research projects, interdisciplinary studies, and the co-hosting of platforms for sharing research findings. Additionally, NISER will offer internship opportunities to students from Dominican University, provided they meet the minimum criteria.
“This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the collaborative journey between our institutions,” said Prof. Opara. “By working together, we can leverage each other’s strengths, expertise, and resources to achieve greater impact for the development of the country and the world at large.”
The MoU, effective for four years, also includes provisions for faculty exchanges and mutual staff engagements, aiming to enhance the academic and research capacities of both institutions. Intellectual property rights for research outputs and materials produced under the partnership will be jointly managed, with both institutions retaining ownership of their respective contributions.
NISER, one of Nigeria’s foremost public research institutes, was established in 1960 following the dissolution of the West African Institute of Social and Economic Research (WAISER). Dominican University’s partnership with NISER underscores its commitment to building strategic relationships with leading research institutions to advance academic excellence and contribute to socio-economic growth.
The partnership agreement is renewable upon expiration, subject to mutual agreement by both parties, and emphasizes confidentiality regarding sensitive information shared during the collaboration. Both institutions expressed optimism about the impact this collaboration will have on policy formulation and implementation across various sectors in Nigeria.
