Tharaka University (TUN) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with INTI International University of Malaysia to expand opportunities for students, research, innovation and academic exchange.
The MoU was signed virtually by the leadership of the two institutions, with Tharaka University Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, PhD, leading the TUN delegation.
“Establishing partnerships is part of our strategic plan and provides an excellent opportunity for Tharaka University to expand its international footprint,” said Prof. Muriungi. “We have identified several common areas of interest between our two institutions, which give us a strong foundation for meaningful and sustainable collaboration.”
The partnership provides a framework for collaboration in student mobility and visiting scholar programmes, joint academic programmes, research and publications, exchange of academic materials and information, as well as scholarly activities.
Prof. Muriungi described the partnership as an important milestone in implementing Tharaka University’s strategic plan.
He noted that the two institutions share academic interests in areas such as education, business, health, and life sciences. He added that these areas provide staff and students opportunities to collaborate in research, innovation, knowledge exchange and academic development.
“The commonality in our academic areas makes this collaboration highly workable. We look forward to creating opportunities that will enhance research, innovation and learning experiences for both our students and staff,” he said.
During the ceremony, Dr. Mayibongwe Tafara Mudzengi, Global Manager, International Relations and Collaborations Centre at INTI International University, announced that 10 Tharaka University staff would benefit from fully funded post-graduate scholarships-five for master’s and five for PhD programmes.
“We are committed to ensuring that this partnership goes beyond the signing ceremony. We look forward to participating in your conferences and seminars, and we will equally create opportunities for your staff and students to participate in ours,” said Dr. Mudzengi.
Dr. Collins Sitienei, Director of Linkages and Partnerships at TUN, invited INTI International University to participate in the University’s inaugural Summer School, scheduled for mid-next year.
Dr. Sitienei said the Summer School, which is expected to bring together global students and scholars, would provide a platform for academic engagement and cultural exchange.
“We are pleased to invite INTI International University to our inaugural Summer School. It will be an interactive platform bringing together students and scholars from different parts of the world and promoting cross-cultural learning and global citizenship,” he said.
The MoU is expected to deepen Tharaka University’s academic programmes’ global reach while opening new avenues for collaborative research, staff development, student exchange and knowledge sharing.
The agreement comes as Tharaka University continues to pursue strategic partnerships aimed at expanding opportunities for its students and staff while contributing to the University’s broader mission of promoting excellence, innovation and impactful service to the community.
The TUN delegation included Dr. Daniel Mwangi, Registrar, Academic Affairs; Dr. Fidelis Ngugi, PhD, Dean, FPET; Dr. Sitienei; Mr. Kevin Tuei, Director, ODeL; Dr. Ambrose Vengi, Director, Postgraduate Studies; Mrs. Ruth Ndung’u, Chair of Department, Basic Sciences; and Ms. Lydia Gakii, Head of Department, Health Unit.
INTI International University was represented by Nurul Izza Haji Mohamed, Region Head; Una Xu, International Cooperation Specialist from Hope Education Group; and Laura Luo, Head of International Affairs, Hope Education China.
Through the new partnership, Tharaka University and INTI International University are poised to build stronger academic networks and create greater opportunities for global engagement, research and professional development for their university communities.
