IITs, IIMs to have footprints in Africa in virtual mode

As IITs and IIMs face difficulties in opening campuses abroad, these premier Indian institutes are likely to reach out to African students by offering courses through virtual mode.

As IITs and IIMs face difficulties in opening campuses abroad, these premier Indian institutes are likely to reach out to African students by offering courses through virtual mode.

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The IITs and IIMs are expected to offer courses in engineering and management to students in Ethiopia through cyber medium, a visiting Ethiopian minister on Monday said.

In its effort to expand higher education, Ethiopia is aiming at partnering with more Indian institutions for teaching and research, State Minister of Education of Ethiopia Adhana Haile, who is on an official visit to India, said New Delhi.

"Negotiations are on with IITs, IIMs and research institutes in India to impart courses for Ethiopian students in virtual mode. We are also trying to have and conduct joint research programmes in emerging areas," he said.

Haile said he has visited a number of Indian institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Chennai and IIM Ahmedabad for discussions with government officials in this regard.

"The response is encouraging. Now we will finalise the detailed modalities on how to go about it," the minister said.

IIT-Delhi has already started offering courses in collaboration with the University of Addis Ababa since last year.