IPB University has established a collaboration with Universitas Islam Kuantan Singingi (Uniks) Riau. The partnership was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs of IPB University, Prof Deni Noviana, and the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Islamic Outreach of Uniks, Bustanur, S.Ag.
On the same occasion, a memorandum of agreement (MoA) was also signed between the Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science at IPB University, Prof. Idat Galih Permana, and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Uniks, Dr Pebra Heriansyah.
The Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs of IPB University, Prof Deni Noviana, welcomed the collaboration. “IPB is open to working with anyone for mutual advancement,” he said following the MoU signing at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Tuesday (4/28).
Prof Deni encouraged that the focus of the collaboration should not only be in the field of education, but also in research and community service. He also mentioned opportunities for cooperation in the livestock sector as well as the One Village One CEO (OVOC) program, which involves deploying alumni to identify and develop regional potentials.
Meanwhile, Bustanur expressed appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate. He likened Uniks, which is only 13 years old, to a teenager preparing for the future.
“Adolescence is a phase of preparing for the future. Likewise, as a university, Uniks is focusing particularly on the development of human resources,” he said.
He revealed that around 50 percent of lecturers at Uniks are currently alumni of IPB University. Through this collaboration, the institution hopes to produce more scientists.
Furthermore, he highlighted Uniks’ strong regional potential, namely “aura farming,” which is closely associated with the traditional sport of Pacu Jalur, a rowing competition using long wooden boats that has gained international recognition.
The current condition of Uniks is also supported by the fact that 80 percent of its teaching staff are under the age of 40, indicating strong youthful energy to develop the university. “We hope that IPB professors are willing to provide guidance, serve as external examiners, and facilitate Uniks lecturers who wish to pursue doctoral programs,” he concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ADF)
