Location: Bowie State University, Maryland, United States.
On April 1st, 2024, a historic moment unfolded as Thomas Adewumi University and Bowie State University came together to commemorate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the esteemed Bowie State University campus in Prince George's County, Maryland, USA. This significant event witnessed the convergence of distinguished personalities including University founder, presidents, provosts, and prominent figures from Nigeria and the United States.
Key Attendees:
The event was graced by the presence of:
- Engr. Dr. J.B.O Adewumi, Founder of Thomas Adewumi University.
- Dr. Aminta Breaux, 10th President of Bowie State University.
- Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bowie State University.
- Prof. Francisca O. Oladipo, Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University.
- Members of Administration from both Universities
- Deans, Chairs of Departments, and Heads of Units.
- Distinguished guests included representatives from the Nigeria Embassy in Washington DC, Nigerian Diaspora members, and US Congressman Oye Owolewa, the first Nigerian American elected to federal office in U.S. history.
Significance of the MOU:
The signing of the MOU between Thomas Adewumi University and Bowie State University marks a pivotal moment in academia, emphasizing the power of collaboration and partnership. Both institutions, despite being geographically separated, share a common commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and nurturing future leaders.
In the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks, Prof. Francisca Oladipo highlighted TAU's dedication to co-creating a 'glocal' (global and local) impact, aligning its activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She emphasized the shared focus on empowering students for careers in STEM fields and entrepreneurship. The MOU signifies not only an agreement between two institutions but also a commitment to mutual enrichment and collaborative exploration transcending borders.
Impact and Opportunities:
Through this partnership, Thomas Adewumi University and Bowie State University aim to leverage their collective expertise to address societal challenges and drive innovation across various disciplines. The collaboration will facilitate joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, scholarships, conferences, workshops, and cultural events. It is expected to catalyze positive change, promote economic development, and offer immersive learning experiences for students, faculty, and researchers.
Acknowledgments:
Prof. Francisca Oladipo expressed gratitude to all individuals involved in making this partnership a reality, including Provost Amoussou, Dr Benjamin Arah, and Dean George Acquaah from Bowie State University, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Embassy in DC and US Congressman Oye Owolewa. She also thanked the leadership of Bowie State University for their unwavering commitment to education and social justice.
Conclusion:
As TAU and Bowie State University embark on this transformative journey together, they are poised to overcome challenges and achieve their shared vision of a brighter future. With a deep commitment to innovation and excellence, both institutions stand ready to embrace the possibilities of this partnership with optimism and determination.
The signing of the MOU between Thomas Adewumi University and Bowie State University not only symbolizes a new chapter in their collaborative efforts but also represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come. It is a testament to the power of education in breaking barriers and fostering global solidarity.
