By: Mariam Kidhangi
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has taken another significant step to be the technical university of global excellence in advancing knowledge, science, and technology following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fuzhou Polytechnic University.
The MoU was signed during a visit by a delegation from Fuzhou led by its president, Mr Chen Niandong. The delegation was received by the TUM VC, Prof. Laila Abubakar, during the courtesy call at her office.
The collaboration will provide vocational skills training for students from both universities and facilitate short-term study tours and academic exchanges for students and faculty. The MoU also provides for joint curriculum development, the sharing of academic resources, and the delivery of online courses to enhance teaching and learning. Both institutions committed to supporting visiting staff and students, fostering meaningful academic collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and a broader global outlook.
A key component of the partnership is the promotion of Chinese language education through the planned establishment of a Confucius Institute at TUM. The initiative is expected to enhance language learning, foster cultural understanding, and deepen academic cooperation between the two institutions.
The agreement further promotes collaborative scientific research and international education initiatives designed to raise the global profile of both institutions. Under the partnership, the Chinese university may recommend up to five outstanding students each year for study abroad opportunities, subject to TUM’s admission requirements, while both institutions will continue exploring reciprocal opportunities for student mobility.
Speaking during the discussions, Prof. Laila Abubakar noted that the partnership presents an opportunity for both institutions to leverage each other’s academic strengths by collaborating on specialized programmes that may not currently be offered at one of the universities. This complementary approach is expected to expand academic opportunities for students.
The partnership underscores TUM’s continued commitment to building strategic international collaborations that enhance teaching, research, innovation, and intercultural exchange while preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global environment, paving the way for expanded academic collaboration, student mobility, vocational training, and research partnerships. The Memorandum of Understanding will remain in force for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement.
