Three universities join WUACD

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) strengthens its global leadership through Rector Meeting at World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) Summit 2026. The forum results in international network expansion through signing of Letter of Commitment by Eastern Visayas State University, Mindanao State University from Philippines, and Bayero University Kano from Nigeria. These three institutions further expand WUACD collaboration from Southeast Asia to Africa. WUACD President and Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin expresses that addition of new members proves growing trust of world universities in WUACD. “Over the past year, WUACD continues to strengthen its role as a collaboration platform in education, research, community service, and international engagement. We also welcome three new institutions that we believe will open wider collaboration opportunities for all WUACD members,” Prof. Madyan said.

Prof Madyan added that Rector Meeting also serves as a forum to evaluate organization achievements in the first half of 2026 and map out future strategic direction of WUACD. Discussion results will be translated into collaborative programs within four main pillars: Innovative Education and Lifelong Learning, Social Development and Multiculture, Health and Environment, and Sustainable Economy. In addition to membership expansion, the meeting marks strengthening of strategic partnership between WUACD and COMSTECH. This collaboration will open wider opportunities for universities in development of education, research, and community empowerment.

COMSTECH Coordinator General, Prof. Choudhary assessed that international collaboration is key to facing constantly changing future of education. “This meeting is celebration of friendship. Friendship to develop science and empower community. Building future can only be done through collaboration, because education must remain relevant amidst uncertain future,” Prof. Choudhary said. Prof. Choudhary added that future universities need to adopt various global adjustments, including flexible, project-based learning supported by artificial intelligence, while still prioritizing human skills.

New members ready to expand community service impact

WUACD commitment has received positive response from new members. Representative of Bayero University Kano, Dr Aminu Muhammad, mentions that signing of Letter of Commitment holds great significance for his institution. “The commitment we receive from UNAIR through WUACD means a lot to us. We are ready to move forward together to realize various forms of collaboration,” Dr Muhammad said.

According to Dr. Muhammad, Bayero University is ready to develop cooperation through student mobility, student exchange, and community service programs. He also invited more universities to join WUACD. “The essence of education is returning to the community and presenting real impact. Therefore, I invite more universities to join WUACD. Let’s bring wider benefits to the community,” Dr. Muhammad concluded.

Through membership expansion, partnership strengthening with COMSTECH, and formulation of organization priority programs, WUACD under UNAIR leadership further confirms its role as a global university network that delivers impactful collaboration for the world community.