The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has partnered with the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia. They have signed an agreement to launch the Multidisciplinary International Quality Improvement Doctoral Degree Program (MIQMDDP). This new programme is an important step towards strengthening academic ties between India and Ethiopia.
The MIQMDDP aims to promote cooperation through joint doctoral research and faculty exchange. It will allow Ethiopian scholars to pursue a PhD with support from both IITGN and Ethiopian institutions. This partnership is expected to enhance academic collaboration and provide valuable resources for students.
The formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at IITGN. Director Prof. Rajat Moona led the event, which included several senior faculty members and administrators. Among the attendees were Prof. Surya Pratap Mehrotra, who oversees External Relations, and Prof. Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Joint PhD Coordinator from Ethiopia.
Prof. Moona expressed excitement about the new programme. He said, “We are looking forward to welcoming Ethiopian scholars. This collaboration will enrich the academic and research landscape of both countries.”
Prof. Mehrotra added that this MoU serves as a gateway for IITGN to engage with the African continent. He believes it will open doors for future collaborations with other African universities.
Under this programme, up to 15 Ethiopian PhD scholars will be selected each year for the next five years. The chosen candidates will receive joint supervision from faculty at their home institute in Ethiopia and from IITGN. They will spend 12 to 18 months at IITGN, where they will have access to institutional support and resources.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Education will assist with international travel for the selected scholars. Prof. Ramaswamy highlighted that this partnership marks a new chapter in academic cooperation between Ethiopia and India. He stated, “The MIQMDDP will provide a platform for scholars to benefit from interdisciplinary mentorship, research infrastructure, and global exposure.”
This initiative reflects a broader vision to build research capacity and foster a globally engaged scholarly community. It demonstrates IITGN’s commitment to expanding its international reach and enhancing academic exchange with countries in Africa. The collaboration is expected to strengthen ties and encourage more academic partnerships in the future.
Overall, the MIQMDDP at IIT Gandhinagar represents a significant opportunity for Ethiopian scholars to advance their education and research in a supportive and resource-rich environment. As this programme unfolds, it is hoped that it will lead to new discoveries and innovations that can benefit both nations and beyond.