TARABA STATE DELEGATION EXPLORES EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH INTEGRAL UNIVERSITY IN INDIA
Lucknow, India – A high-level delegation from Taraba State, Nigeria, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Mike Dio Jen, conducted a week-long inspection visit to Integral University in Lucknow, India, from July 21 to July 31, 2025. The visit aimed to assess the university’s infrastructure, academic standards, moral environment, and commitment to religious and racial tolerance, with the goal of forging a potential educational partnership.
The delegation’s mission kicked off with a consultative meeting with Mariyanas Synergy Ltd, consultants to the Taraba State Scholarship Board. During the session, the team underscored the importance of thoroughly evaluating Integral University’s facilities and emphasized that any agreement would require the approval of His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, before a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) could be signed.
Upon arrival at Integral University, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the university’s leadership. Dr. Syed Wasdeem Akhtar, the Pro-Chancellor, delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing the institution’s history, academic programs, and global outlook. In response, Hon. Mike Dio Jen expressed Taraba State’s gratitude and highlighted Governor Kefas’ transformative policy of free and compulsory education, a cornerstone of the state’s vision for human capital development. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the university’s Chancellor and founder, who expressed enthusiasm for a long-term partnership.
Over the course of the visit, the delegation conducted an extensive tour of Integral University’s three campuses, inspecting state-of-the-art facilities, including world-class laboratories, research centers, auditoriums, libraries, workshops, ICT hubs, and student hostels. A standout moment was the visit to the university’s teaching hospital, where Dr. Vidnnl Parmar, the Chief Medical Director, guided the team through advanced facilities such as the orthopaedic unit, eye clinic, operating theatre, and incubation center. In a unique gesture, delegation members underwent basic medical examinations, adding a personal touch to the tour.
Discussions with university officials, particularly Pro-Chancellor Dr. Syed Nadeem Akhtar, centered on potential areas of collaboration. A key proposal was a special scholarship package for Taraba State students, offering a consolidated fee of $3,000, which would cover tuition, accommodation, four daily meals, health insurance, and registration with the Indian Foreign Regional Registration Office. Under the proposed arrangement, the Taraba State Government would manage visa processing, police clearance, and other documentation. The scholarship proposal will now be submitted to Governor Kefas for approval before an MoU is drafted and signed.
Integral University impressed the delegation with its high academic standing and inclusive environment. Accredited with an A+ rating by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), the university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Bar Council of India (BCI), and other statutory bodies. With students from over 35 countries, the university fosters diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and tolerance. Its robust research culture is evident through partnerships with institutions like Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K).
The delegation also noted the university’s commitment to student welfare and discipline. Strict anti-ragging policies, enforced by dedicated committees and squads, ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. Modern hostels, extensive libraries, advanced laboratories, and a fully equipped teaching hospital further demonstrated the institution’s capacity to provide holistic education.
For Taraba State, the potential partnership aligns with its free and compulsory education agenda, offering students access to international education and global career opportunities through Integral University’s extensive networks and industry linkages. The delegation observed that the university’s graduates are well-equipped academically and positioned to thrive in the global job market.
The visit concluded on an optimistic note, with the delegation expressing confidence that a collaboration with Integral University could significantly enhance Taraba State’s human capital development. By leveraging the university’s world-class resources, the proposed partnership has the potential to transform educational prospects for Taraba students, aligning with the state’s vision of empowering its youth through quality education.
The delegation’s findings and the proposed scholarship package will now be presented to Governor Kefas for final approval, paving the way for a transformative educational collaboration between Taraba State and Integral University.
