Khanapara(Meghalaya), June 17 : To promote and expand international understanding and stimulate and support educational and intercultural activities and projects, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Higher Education Gabon here today.
The agreement was signed by Dr Patrick Mouguiama Daouda, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Gabon, and Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM and President, Association of Indian Universities.
The Gabonese Minister of Higher Education, along with Ms Josephine Patricia NTYAM- EHYA, First Counsellor, Embassy of Gabon in India, and other delegates from the country visited USTM today and addressed an interactive session with students and faculty members of the University.
A beautiful cultural showcasing of the eight northeastern states was also presented by USTM students before the international guests on the occasion.
Addressing a large gathering of students and faculty members, the Gabonese Minister of Higher Education Dr Patrick Mouguiama-Daouda expressed his desire to work on inter-university projects and highlighted the importance of the mobility of teacher-researchers and students for higher education. “The pact would be a tool to forge a partnership, especially between USTM and other universities in Gabon. Our students can study digital courses for the first three years and travel to India to pursue further studies. In the same way, Indian students can travel to Gabon for further studies. I assure you that Gabon is very capable to take charge of the students who come to our country for higher studies. Because Gabon has a policy of social assistance for the students and it is a very strong policy”. He said that the Gabon government also takes care of the meal and accommodation of the students. The Indian students who come to study in Gabon can also avail the same benefits, he added. Appreciating the green campus of USTM, the Gabonese Higher Education Minister thanked everyone present for their participation.
Addressing the gathering, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor USTM said, “We are collaborating with other countries for student, faculty, and staff exchange and collaborative research. We are working honestly with dedication and I believe that by 2030 we can make USTM globally known. Our University is heading towards becoming a teaching-learning destination for global students.
Earlier, presenting the welcome address, Prof GD Sharma, VC USTM said, “Now we are in a position to become a place of attraction for international students. We got ‘A’ Grade by NAAC and we have NIRF Ranking among the top 200 universities in India. Accordingly, USTM is coming up with the necessary facilities and infrastructure suitable for international students.
According to the MoU, while a wide range of projects may be identified within the MoU, educational experiences between students and staff of the two institutions are likely to comprise most of them. Each institution will accept full-time students from the other institution on an approximate one-for-one basis for undergraduate or post-graduate study during the academic year, and, where feasible, during any of the sessions of Summer School.
Such activities include faculty exchange for research activities for short-term or extended periods of time; conducting conferences, seminars, and lecture series; developing activities with the areas of business, industry, and education in the community in which the institutions are located. The term of this MoU shall be five academic years. Each academic year shall begin with the Fall Semester and shall consist of the Fall (Odd) and Spring (Even).
