George Mason University (GMU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigeria institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru (NIPSS), Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, and there is an ongoing discussion between Northwest University Kano (NWU) Kano and the College of Health and Human Services GMU for possible collaboration and technical assistance in the establishment of a diagnostic center at NWU.
In 2015, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) signed a cooperation agreement with the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University for an extension of the initial agreement until September 2018. NIPSS is the major think tank advising the Government of Nigeria on a range Of critical issues including 1) policies and priorities of higher education; 2) national election management and regime transition; 3) countering violent extremists; 4) managing conflicts of land management and related issues; 5) facilitating the growth of a pluralistic society, including reforming structures and institutions to achieve peaceful processes of development.
These objectives of NIPSS fit well with those of Mason’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR). At present, S-CAR is working closely with universities in northern Nigeria on 1) mapping peace and conflict resolution studies in Nigeria; and 2) facilitating peace and conflict studies networks in Nigeria. (Both of these projects are funded by the U.S. Institute of Peace.) These projects would be enhanced by links to NIPSS. 3) S-CAR will continue. to work with NIPSS on the major challenge to the unity of Nigeria, i.e., the Boko Haram insurrection in the Northeast zone of the country. A related challenge is how to resettle the 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the conflict.
The Federal University Birkin Kebbi (FUBK) and George Mason University also signed an MoU on November 24, 2015. Mason and FUBK agree to initiate academic cooperation. The purpose of the Agreement is to stimulate and support educational intercultural activities and projects between FUBK and Mason including but not limited to enriching experiences for both faculty and students.
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