Pekanbaru, Indonesia – Universitas Islam Riau (UIR), through its Office of International Affairs and Cooperation (BKUI), has taken another significant step in expanding its global academic network by welcoming a delegation from Hormuud University, Somalia. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for long-term collaboration in education, research, and institutional development between the two universities.

The official meeting brought together university leaders from both institutions to discuss strategic initiatives that will strengthen academic cooperation and promote international engagement. As a private university based in Mogadishu, Hormuud University offers programs in engineering, technology, social sciences, and management, making it a valuable partner for interdisciplinary collaboration with UIR.

Through the newly signed MoU, both universities agreed to explore collaborative programs that include student and faculty mobility, joint research projects, academic exchanges, curriculum development, international seminars, and scientific publications. The partnership also aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity-building activities that will benefit students, researchers, and academic staff from both institutions.

During the discussions, representatives of BKUI emphasized the importance of translating international agreements into measurable outcomes. The office reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating impactful collaboration by supporting the implementation of academic programs that contribute to educational quality, research excellence, and global institutional visibility. The partnership is expected to strengthen UIR’s internationalization agenda while creating new opportunities for cross-cultural learning and professional development.

The collaboration between Universitas Islam Riau and Hormuud University reflects a shared commitment to advancing higher education through innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable partnerships. By expanding its network to institutions across Africa, UIR continues to strengthen its position as a globally connected university dedicated to academic excellence, intercultural understanding, and meaningful international engagement. This initiative also reinforces BKUI’s role in building strategic partnerships that generate lasting academic and societal impact.