UNILORIN to strengthen ties with Lithuanian varsity
By Abubakar Imam
As part of efforts targeted at expanding opportunities for research collaboration, staff and student mobility, and postgraduate education, the University of Ilorin has reiterated its desire to tighten its relationship with Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), Vilnius, Lithuania.
This was disclosed by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, during an official visit to MRU.
The engagement, which ran from penultimate Sunday (July 19, 2026 to Saturday, July 25, 2026, was hosted by MRU’s International Office and brought together senior university administrators, researchers, innovation experts, and international relations officers, including the Director of the Directorate of Projects and International Relations, Aleksander Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania, Ms. Dorinela Çupi, to explore new frontiers of collaboration among the partner institutions.
In her presentation, Prof. Abdulbaqi, who is also a former Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, showcased the rich history and achievements of the University. She highlighted its strategic location, numerous Faculties, institutes and centres, diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and its reputation for academic excellence, research productivity, and uninterrupted academic calendar.
Prof. Abdulbaqi, who is also a Council Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), also presented the academic profile of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, outlining its structure, Departments, and programmes, including the Faculty’s Cyber Security programme and its growing emphasis on digital transformation, innovation, and interdisciplinary education.
The presentation generated considerable interest and provided the platform for discussions on expanding collaboration in several strategic areas, including Library and Information Science, Digital Media Design, Digital Communication Marketing, Public Relations, Gender Studies, Cyber Security, joint research, peer-reviewed publications, staff and student exchange, doctoral supervision, Cotutelle (joint doctoral supervision), and double-degree or dual-certification programmes.
During the discussions, Prof. Abdulbaqi acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the University of Ilorin and Mykolas Romeris University, noting that both institutions already have a Memorandum of Understanding and a history of successful staff and student exchanges. She stressed the need to strengthen the implementation of the existing partnership by developing more structured collaborative activities and expanding opportunities for academic engagement.
One of the highlights of the meeting was Prof. Abdulbaqi’s intervention on gender inclusion. While recognising global efforts aimed at empowering the girl-child, she advocated a more inclusive approach that promotes the empowerment of both boys and girls. She noted that sustainable development is best achieved when opportunities are equitably extended to all genders.
Her submission stimulated robust discussions among participants, who acknowledged the importance of adopting balanced and inclusive gender development strategies.
The meeting further explored opportunities for the University of Ilorin to participate in MRU’s Doctoral Internship Programme under the Erasmus+ International Student Mobility Scheme, as well as the adoption of Cotutelle arrangements for joint doctoral supervision with clearly defined regulations acceptable to both institutions.
In addition, Prof. Abdulbaqi assured that the University of Ilorin would consider participation in the annual “Women in Science Conference” usually hosted by Mykolas Romeris University every June. She noted that the conference provides an excellent platform for showcasing research, strengthening international academic networks, and promoting collaborative research initiatives.
Beyond the formal discussions, Prof. Abdulbaqi, along with other participants, toured MRU’s modern academic facilities and the Social Innovations Hub, where they were introduced to the University’s research ecosystem, innovation initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Reaffirming the strength of the partnership between the two institutions, the MRU’s Erasmus+ Coordinator, Mrs Audra Dargytė Butokienė, expressed the University’s appreciation for its collaboration with the University of Ilorin.
She said, “We highly value our collaboration with the University of Ilorin and are glad to see the ongoing academic exchanges of Professors and doctoral students with various Faculties of both universities. Such activities would lead to promising joint scientific research and impactful outputs.”
She added that MRU looks forward to deepening the cooperation that exist between the two universities.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of the University of Ilorin to building strategic international partnerships that enhance teaching, research, innovation, and global visibility. It is expected that the discussions will lead to expanded collaboration in academic exchange, postgraduate education, research, innovation, and capacity building between the two institutions.
The engagement represented another milestone in the University’s drive to strengthen its global presence and provide wider international opportunities for its staff and students.
