Joint Research Supervision between University of Kent, UK and North South University (NSU)
Strengthening Global Academic Ties: NSU Hosts University of Kent Graduate Researchers
On December 14, 2020, North South University (NSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Kent, UK, marking the beginning of a promising academic partnership. This collaboration, rooted in joint research initiatives between NSU’s Department of Economics and Kent’s School of Economics, came to life in Summer 2024 when four graduate students from Kent visited NSU to work on their master’s theses under joint supervision.
Research Engagements and Field Visits
Rombek Esaya Kolorinda Rombek
- Thesis Title: Assessing the Effectiveness of Humanitarian Aid Programs in Reducing Poverty: A Case Study of Bangladesh
- NSU Supervisor: Dr. Asad Karim Khan Priyo
- Coordinator: Mehedi Masud Sumon
Mr. Rombek arrived on June 5, 2024, and began his research with field visits to the SNAD Foundation in Jessore and its headquarters in Dhaka. He conducted interviews with beneficiaries and held discussions with Executive Director Mr. Arsalan Zaman on sustainability strategies. On June 13, he visited the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), gaining insights into policy-making processes. Later, he traveled to PROSHIKA’s Area Development Centre in Dhamrai, where he interviewed aid recipients with translation support from NSU’s Office of External Affairs (OEA). His visit concluded with meetings with Professor Dr. Helal Ahammad and Dr. Priyo, reinforcing future collaboration prospects.
Mpho Kgoreletso
- Thesis Title: The Impact of Agricultural Extension Services on Farm Productivity and Income Among Smallholder Farmers in Bangladesh
- NSU Supervisor: Dr. Syed Mortuza Asif Ehsan
- Coordinator: Mehedi Masud Sumon
Ms. Kgoreletso arrived on June 11, 2024, and was welcomed by Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam during her orientation. Her research included a courtesy visit to PROSHIKA on June 23 and a meeting with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) on June 26, accompanied by Dr. Serajul Islam and the OEA team. These engagements enriched her understanding of agricultural outreach programs. On July 1, she met with her supervisor Dr. Ehsan to discuss progress and plan regular meetings.
Hamisi Nasibu Mvungi
- Thesis Title: Towards Stable Economic Growth: Role of Public Debt in Middle-Income Countries – A VAR Model Comparison between Tanzania, South Africa, and Bangladesh
- NSU Supervisor: Dr. Mainul Islam Chowdhury
- Coordinator: Mehedi Masud Sumon
Mr. Mvungi arrived on June 11, 2024, and participated in a research meeting at CPD on June 30. He explored fiscal policy frameworks, education and health budgeting, and export competitiveness. CPD’s expertise in econometric modeling provided him with advanced tools to refine his thesis.
Institutional Engagements
On July 7, 2024, two Kent students met with Professor Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of NSU and an alumnus of the University of Kent at Canterbury (UKC). The meeting was a warm exchange of memories and encouragement, further strengthening the personal and institutional ties between NSU and Kent.
This collaboration reflects NSU’s commitment to internationalization and academic excellence. The joint supervision model, field-based research, and institutional exchanges have laid a strong foundation for future partnerships, student mobility, and collaborative research between NSU and the University of Kent.
