Taraba State University Strengthens Collaboration with UTM through Global Engagement and AI Innovation

Mohd Rustam Mohd Rameli

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 9 — The Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), was honoured to host distinguished delegates from Taraba State University (TSU), Nigeria, led by Professor Sunday Paul Bako, Vice Chancellor, and Professor A. Mustapha Baba Ibbi, Director of Quality Assurance.

The academic visit coincided with the 14th UTM University Presidents Forum (UTM-UPF 2025), held under the umbrella of UTM Global Connect 2025, a flagship international engagement programme that also featured the New Academia Learning Innovation (NALI 2025), Industrial Art and Technology Exhibition (INATEX 2025), and the D-8 Network of Pioneers for Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (NPRIC) Summit 2025.

The delegation was warmly received by Professor Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, Dean of FEST, together with the Deputy Deans, Heads of Departments, the Faculty Management Team, and the Committee of Internationalization.

Professor Sunday Paul Bako, Vice Chancellor of TSU, delivering his remarks during the academic visit

In his remarks, Professor Sunday Paul Bako emphasized the global transformation of higher education in the intelligent age, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). He highlighted the need for educators to embrace AI as a catalyst for innovation, not as a replacement for human creativity and wisdom. He also underscored the importance of equipping students to use AI tools ethically, critically, and creatively — a vision that aligns strongly with UTM’s mission to advance digital learning and global innovation.

A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of Adjunct Professor appointment letters from TSU to Professor Ts. Dr. Zaidatun Tasir, Professor Dr. Johari Surif, Associate Professor Dr. Johari Sihis, Associate Professor Dr. Nur Azian Atan, and Associate Professor Dr. Sanita Muhammad Yusof. These distinguished academics, who are leading experts in curriculum, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education, and educational technology, were recognised for their contributions and academic excellence.

Professor Sunday Paul Bako, accompanied by Professor A. Mustapha Baba Ibbi and Professor Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, presenting the Adjunct Professor appointment letters

The presentation ceremony was officiated by Professor Sunday Paul Bako, accompanied by Professor A. Mustapha Baba Ibbi and Professor Dr. Norafandi Yahaya, symbolizing mutual respect and appreciation between the two institutions. The event concluded with the exchange of souvenirs to commemorate the visit.

This engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of TSU and UTM to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation, and academic development. Both institutions expressed keen interest in pursuing joint research on AI in education, staff and student exchanges, and collaborative curriculum initiatives that enhance digital and STEM education.

As part of UTM Global Connect 2025, this visit underscores UTM’s vision of fostering inclusive and future-ready global partnerships, empowering universities to thrive and innovate in the intelligent age.