Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Universty (NOHU) signed a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of developing, strengthening and encouraging relations between the two institutions. The signing session of the agreement took place on Wednesday, 26 February 2025 at 05:30 p.m. at EMU Rector’s Office, where EMU Acting Rector and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and NOHU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Uslu signed the said agreement. Present during the signing session were; EMU Vice Rector for Financial Affairs Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu, Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Rector’s Office Coordinator Assist. Prof. Dr. Arzu Abiç and NOHU Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Alp Özgür Akdemir, NOHU Private Secretary Uğur Akyapı and Journalist Çağlar Tuncer.
“The Agreement Settled with EMU Further Advance NOHU”
In his speech, NOHU Rector Prof. Dr. Uslu underscored their goal of developing collaborations with distinguished institutions. Prof. Dr. Uslu touched on the agreements made with universities in Asia and Europe, emphasizing that their collaboration with EMU would help address gaps in Cyprus. Expressing their contentment in partnering with EMU in education and research, Prof. Dr. Uslu also highlighted NOHU’s academic achievements, TUBITAK projects, and progress in global rankings. Prof. Dr. Uslu mentioned that the university had applied to work on 17 areas within the United Nations’ sustainable development goals project. Expressing pride in the collaboration with EMU, Prof. Dr. Uslu stated that the agreement with EMU, Northern Cyprus’ first state university, would further advance NOHU.
“EMU – A Role Model in Higher Education in TRNC”
Addressing the participants, Prof. Dr. Karatepe conveyed EMU’s appreciation in hosting the delegation from NOHU and stressed his belief that both universities could make valuable contributions to one another, particularly in areas like agriculture and food. Prof. Dr. Karatepe outlined EMU’s Strategic Plan, which includes focus areas such as scientific research and development, technology, internationalization, digital transformation, employee and student satisfaction, and maintaining a sustainable financial structure. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Karatepe highlighted EMU’s top position in TRNC according to the Times Higher Education World Rankings, its unique presence in the QS rankings for the island, and its programs recognized in the Shanghai Rankings. He also emphasized EMU’s strong focus on research and development, supported by reward systems that motivate its academics. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Karatepe noted that EMU is the first and only state university in Northern Cyprus established by law and stands as a role model for higher education in the region.
The memorandum of understanding is intended to promote collaborative research projects involving the exchange of academic and administrative staff, develop student exchange programs and/or dual degree opportunities, create joint certificate and micro-credential programs as part of lifelong learning services, engage in cooperation on publishing and cultural activities, and organize joint academic and scientific events such as conferences, seminars, symposiums, and congresses.
After the protocol, Prof. Dr. Karatepe presented Prof. Dr. Uslu with a traditional Cypriot Lefkara embroidery panel, while Prof. Dr. Uslu reciprocated with a gift for Prof. Dr. Karatepe.