By Uche Michael Aondohemba
The Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), through its Institute of Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (IPESS), has formalised a longstanding institutional partnership while launching an innovative MSc Exchange Programme.
This significant milestone and commitment to global relevance and academic excellence are products of a strategic visit led by the Vice Chancellor of JOSTUM, Engr. Prof. Isaac Nathaniel Itodo to the University of Kigali (UoK), Rwanda.
A highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Prof. Itodo and his UoK counterpart, Prof. George Kimathi. This agreement marks a new era of collaboration centred on joint programme delivery, knowledge exchange, and cross-institutional research – further positioning JOSTUM as a regional leader in interdisciplinary postgraduate training.
At the heart of the partnership is the IPESS MSc Exchange Programme. This flagship initiative will equip students with practical, globally relevant expertise in Procurement Management, Environmental Sustainability, and Sustainable Social Standards. During the visit, both universities carried out an in-depth readiness assessment, aligning curricula, reviewing academic structures, and inspecting facilities – including lecture halls and student accommodations to ensure a seamless rollout of the programme.
The JOSTUM delegation, which included the Deputy Director, IPESS, Dr Christopher Eche, Project Management Officer, Dr John Ona, and the Director of Legal Services, JOSTUM, Barr. Mary Agogo-Amara also visited key innovation and environmental sites, including the Nyandungu Eco-Park and Green Park. These excursions underscore the programme’s commitment to blending rigorous academics with real-world, hands-on experiences.
Starting in April 2026, the IPESS MSc Exchange Programme is set to foster inclusivity, academic excellence, and global competitiveness. According to the agreement, student intake will be evenly distributed across the three programme tracks, ensuring gender diversity and interdisciplinary representation.
The JOSTUM – UoK partnership is set to deliver a host of benefits: producing graduates equipped for global challenges, strengthening academic collaboration across Africa, and driving innovation in procurement, environmental, and social governance.
IPESS JOSTUM continues to demonstrate leadership at the intersection of academia, policy, and practice. This groundbreaking partnership with the University of Kigali exemplifies what can be achieved when institutions align their vision with strategic action, laying the foundation for high-impact, cost-effective international education and collaboration.
