In a significant step towards advancing higher education and strengthening pan-African academic ties, the University of the Free State (UFS) and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Nigeria have formalised a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed during a ceremonial event held at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus on 29 July 2025, lays the foundation for deepening institutional collaboration between the universities’ law faculties on issues that speak directly to Africa’s past, present, and future.

At the heart of the MoU is a shared commitment to the Africa Reparations Agenda, aligned with the African Union’s 2025 theme: ‘The Year of Reparations for African Peoples’. Through this collaboration, the universities will jointly pursue teaching, research, student and staff exchanges, and wider engagement centred on constitutionalism, human rights, and reparative justice across the continent. But the MoU is more than a formal agreement: the signing signals a united vision; one of solidarity, academic excellence, and continental impact.

Shared vision, shared responsibility

Speaking at the signing, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Hester C. Klopper described the agreement as both “a proud and purposeful moment” for the institution and a bold commitment to the future of African higher education. “This is the journey of two institutions coming together to advance the African continent through collaboration, knowledge, exchange programmes, and a shared ambition,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Prof Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who welcomed the partnership as “a collaboration close to our heart”. He added that his institution looks forward to “staff and student exchange, strategic research, and the exchange of ideas to grow the two institutions.” Both Vice-Chancellors affirmed their belief that the MoU is poised to produce meaningful, long-term academic impact.

For UFS, the agreement reflects a deliberate move to build partnerships that reinforce its position as “a globally engaged, deeply African-rooted university”. Prof Klopper added, “It brings to home the relevance, impact, and integrity of working on the continent that we want to see.” She emphasised that the partnership strongly aligns with the university’s Vision 130, which places collaboration, relevance, and international engagement at the centre of its institutional mission. “The future of African higher education will not be shaped in isolation, but rather in solidarity – pulling everyone in the right direction.” 

The MoU creates space for the development of joint programmes, collaborative teaching and research, and student-centred academic initiatives. Both institutions have committed to driving this cooperation with a focus on excellence, inclusion, and transformation. “It’s the epitome of two institutions in Africa getting together to shape an African higher education strategy that is bold, relevant, and transformative,” Prof Klopper said.