PAMO University of Medical Sciences, located in Rivers State, Nigeria, has been formally admitted into the Oxonia University Network. This international alliance of higher education institutions welcomed PAMO University at a ceremony held at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. The event took place during a high-level programme focused on Leadership and Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.
The Oxonia University Network comprises over 153 universities across 41 countries, spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Established in 2013 with 16 member institutions across 14 countries, the network has grown into a global academic alliance. It focuses on international cooperation, academic entrepreneurship, research development, and applying innovation to societal challenges.
Professor Adaeze Chidinma Oreh represented PAMO University of Medical Sciences at the Oxford ceremony on behalf of the institution's Board of Trustees. With PAMO University's admission, the network is expected to strengthen its expertise in medical education, healthcare research, and health sciences training. This development will create opportunities for international academic partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The Oxford gathering also witnessed a leadership transition within the Oxonia University Network. Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, assumed the presidency from the outgoing president, Professor Abubakar Rasheed. Professor Ribadu outlined his vision for the network's next decade, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence into university teaching, administration, and medical research.
In his inaugural address, Professor Ribadu highlighted the importance of strengthening international research partnerships and promoting the responsible adoption of emerging technologies in higher education. He noted that expanding research capacity and adopting responsible AI-driven solutions would remain critical to the future of higher education. The admission of specialized institutions like PAMO University of Medical Sciences indicates the growing relevance of international academic collaboration.
Discussions at the Saïd Business School focused on using specialized digital platforms to promote joint research initiatives, faculty exchange programmes, and effective AI policy frameworks across member institutions. PAMO University's admission is expected to open new opportunities for collaborative medical research, healthcare training, and international knowledge-sharing among academics and researchers within the network.
The Oxonia University Network is considering a review of its governance structure following over a decade of expansion. The admission of PAMO University further strengthens the network's commitment to building inclusive international partnerships that advance higher education, innovation, and global health development. This development marks a significant milestone in PAMO University's history, enhancing its global presence and collaboration opportunities.
Key points
- PAMO University of Medical Sciences joins the Oxonia University Network, expanding international partnerships in medical education and research.
- The Oxonia University Network has grown to comprise over 153 universities across 41 countries since its establishment in 2013.
- Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu assumes the presidency of the Oxonia University Network, outlining a vision to integrate AI into higher education and strengthen international research partnerships.
