MSU’s Division of International Affairs Expands University’s Global Footprint, Completing Successful Trips to Turkey, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya

Istanbul, Turkey

To kick off the international trip, the Morgan contingent — including then interim dean for the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies (CICS) Farzad Moazzami, D.Eng. — first traveled to Istanbul, Turkey (May 9–13) to visit the city’s top four private universities: Istanbul Aydin University, Beykoz University, Fenerbahce University and Bahcesehir University. During the stops, senior administrators of the institutions met with the Morgan team led by Yacob Astatke, D.Eng., assistant vice president for International Affairs. The meetings proved to be fruitful, resulting in three of the universities’ agreement to pursue a memorandum of understanding (MOU) enabling their students to continue their education in the United States, at Morgan. Each of the participating international students would enroll in one of the interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree programs offered through CICS.

Other participating students would enroll in one of Morgan’s available B.S. and M.A. 3+1 or 3+2 dual degree programs. Capping the list of outcomes derived from this assembly of universities was a commitment to host Morgan faculty and students as part of a short-term study abroad initiative, beginning in summer 2023. Morgan’s DIA is now working to complete a formal agreement with the universities that have expressed an interest in collaborating and cementing long-term relationships with Morgan.

Accra, Ghana

The second leg of the trip was a stop in Accra, Ghana (May 17–23). For this engagement, the Morgan team was joined by parties from Tennessee State University (TSU) and Clark Atlanta University (CAU) as part of the inaugural HBCU Africa Education Coalition (HAEC) 100,000 Strong Africa Conference, held in Accra. The event, which was attended by more than 200 participants, highlighted the importance of study abroad for students of African ancestry and encouraged building opportunities to network and work collaboratively.

At this stop, the MSU delegation also included eight students, seven of them from Morgan’s School of Architecture and Planning, who participated in a global, experiential service-learning program with 3GC, Incorporated, completing several community projects in Ghana. The architecture students extended their stay in the country through June 16, to collaborate on the design and building of an international exhibition entitled, “NEW BLOOD and HBCU STUDENTS – WE THE 7 EXHIBITION,” displayed at the Accra Design and Film Festival 2022. Morgan SA+P professor Coleman Jordan worked with the students, providing support.

While in Accra, the MSU leadership team also met with the new president and provost of the African University College of Communication (AUCC), before ultimately engaging with Webster University (Ghana Campus), Academic City University, University of Cape Coast and the University of Ghana. The discussion was centered on the development of experiential global learning programs (including virtual exchange and Collaborative Online International Learning, COIL) as well as collaboration in degree programs, teaching and research.

Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria

In a separate, important solo engagement, team member Hakeem Tijani, Ph.D., executive director for the Office of Global Partnerships–Africa (OGP–Africa) at Morgan, ventured to Nigeria (May 23–30) and met with the leadership of the TETFund, Digital Bridge Institute, National Universities Commission, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH).

The TETFund’s new executive secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, was briefed by Dr. Tijani about the progress of the organization’s scholars and fellows now studying at Morgan. During the meeting, Arc. Echono reiterated the agency’s commitment to its partnership with Morgan and promised to visit the campus with his team. Mohammed Ajiya, president and CEO of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), also expressed delight in the partnership and offered one of DBI’s campuses for Morgan’s use. Executive Secretary Echono supported the proposed partnership between Morgan and DBI, requesting an official agreement for his review and approval. Similarly, the vice chancellors of NOUN and OAUSTECH also requested formal agreements with Morgan that extend beyond the initial TETFund general agreement, which was signed in 2020.

Dr. Tijani’s last meeting was with the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, his excellency Boladei Igali, Ph.D. Their meeting focused on proposed opportunities to explore leadership training and development for vice chancellors. Overall, it was a very successful trip to Nigeria for Morgan.

Nairobi, Kenya

Closing out the nearly monthlong travel abroad on behalf of the University, Dr. Astatke visited Nairobi, Kenya (May 25–30). While there, he participated in a recruitment event that attracted prospective undegraduate and graduate-level students, as well as their parents. He also used the opportunity to check in with the members of the newly established MSU Alumni Association chapter in Nairobi, Kenya. Finally, Dr. Astatke met with the leadership of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). Arranged by Morgan’s vice president for Research and Economic Development, Willie E. May, Ph.D., the meeting was held to encourage KEBS researchers to consider continuing their education through Morgan’s various doctoral programs over the next three to five years.

Resources and investment to expand Morgan’s global footprint require the full activity and commitment of many University units — and none more critical than the efforts put forth by Morgan’s Division of International Affairs. Cultivating meaningful partnerships with like-minded institutions and organizations, through intercontinental expeditions such as these most recent trips, is fundamental to bringing Morgan’s global vision to light.

Congratulations to the entire DIA team for a successful venture abroad and for representing Morgan on the world stage, expanding the National Treasure’s multinational presence and exemplifying the University’s worldview!