• The agreement focuses on student, staff, and doctoral mobility

• It covers engineering, technology, and applied sciences programs

• The partnership is set for five years and is renewable

The University of Lomé and France’s University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard have signed a cooperation agreement centered on academic mobility. The partnership was formalized last week in Lomé with the signing of the agreement by leaders of both institutions.

The deal aims to structure and expand exchanges of students, interns, staff, and doctoral candidates between the two universities. On the Lomé side, mobility will primarily involve students from the Polytechnic School of Lomé, the Regional Center of Excellence for Electricity Mastery, and the University Innovation and Technology Hub, UniPod Togo.

Signed for an initial five-year period and renewable, the agreement allows students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, or engineering programs to complete a semester at the partner institution, with full transfer and recognition of academic credits. The fields covered include civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, renewable energy, and advanced materials.

The partnership also provides for academic and end-of-study internships within the laboratories and departments of both universities. Students developing entrepreneurial projects may receive tailored support through UniPod Togo, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, agribusiness, and audiovisual production.

Beyond student exchanges, the agreement extends mobility to academic and technical staff. Faculty members, researchers, doctoral students, and technicians will be able to undertake stays at the partner institution as part of joint research projects, doctoral work, or capacity-building programs. Specific emphasis will be placed on skills development for UniPod Togo technicians.

For UTBM Director Ghislain Montavon and University of Lomé President Kossivi Hounaké, the partnership is expected to help improve training quality and strengthen the international outreach of both institutions. For the University of Lomé, the agreement aligns with a broader strategy to expand international academic partnerships and offer greater mobility opportunities to its students. Similar agreements have already been signed with universities in other regions of the world.

Patricia Ngo Ngouem