Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNFC) to promote international cooperation through academic exchange and cultural collaboration. The agreement marks the first overseas partnership for UNFC, which is a newly established higher education institution in the Canadian province of Ontario.
The collaboration was announced during a visit to CUD by Cyndi McLeod, CEO of Global University Systems Canada. The partnership will enable CUD and UNFC to develop initiatives in academic areas of mutual interest, including arts and sciences; communication; engineering and computer science; management and business administration; and executive training and lifelong learning. The agreement will facilitate a range of activities, such as the exchange of faculty and staff for teaching, research, and professional development; the creation of collaborative research projects and joint academic courses, conferences and workshops; and the development of professional certifications.
As Canada’s newest university, UNFC has a strong focus on innovation and technology, with all students being coached to adopt a digital mindset. Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, McLeod said, “UNFC is the first fully accredited private university to be established in Canada for a long time, and as a young university we take inspiration from Canadian University Dubai. We have watched this university grow quickly to become an institution that is renowned for academic excellence, in Canada and across the globe. This partnership represents a natural alliance for us as a university that aligns with CUD’s commitment to innovation in education.”
Signing the MoU on behalf of CUD was University Chancellor, Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, who remarked, “Education is an important way in which we can build bridges between nations, and we are honoured that UNFC has chosen CUD as its first international partner. We look forward to working collaboratively to create new opportunities that further strengthen the bonds between the UAE and Canada.”
In addition to fostering collaboration on academic initiatives, the agreement is designed to serve as a pivotal instrument for promoting broader cross-border cooperation through interdisciplinary cultural exchange and understanding. The partnership aims to enhance the educational environments of both institutions by facilitating the exchange of information and establishing new connections with other global networks. It will further expand CUD’s extensive international network of higher education partners, both in Canada and worldwide, strengthening the institution’s commitment to global engagement and academic excellence.