Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and a Nigerian delegation will tour the University’s health sciences and advanced manufacturing facilities to explore educational partnerships between Nigeria and Pennsylvania.
HARRISBURG, PA — Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will visit Harrisburg University of Science and Technology on Friday, September 18, 2026, joined by a delegation of Nigerian government and business leaders. The visit coincides with the African Cultural Festival, taking place in Harrisburg on September 18-19.
The delegation will tour Harrisburg University’s UMPC Health Sciences Tower at 222 Chestnut Street, with stops in HU’s health sciences programming spaces – serving its Physical Therapy and Exercise Science degree programs – and its advanced manufacturing facilities, including the Metal Lab, Smart Factory, and Robotics Lab. The visit will also include conversations with University leadership about potential collaboration in STEM education, student pathways, and workforce development.
“I am looking forward to joining the African Cultural Festival 2026 in Harrisburg to speak on the future of education, youth empowerment, and creating global opportunities for the next generation,” said Alausa. “I am also excited about my anticipated visit to Harrisburg University to explore meaningful partnerships that will bridge education between Africa and Pennsylvania.”
“Harrisburg University was founded on the belief that access to STEM education can change the course of a life, a family, and a community,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, President of Harrisburg University. “With students from over 120 countries, we know that talent can exist anyplace – and we believe opportunity should as well. We are honored to welcome Minister Alausa and his delegation to our campus, and we look forward to exploring how our programs can serve Nigerian students and strengthen the ties between Pennsylvania and the African continent.”
The visit was arranged with Mr. Adewole Adeniyi of the African Cultural Festival, who had previously toured Harrisburg University. The Minister’s trip to the region also includes an address at Next Gen Summit, kicking off day one of the African Cultural Festival with the theme, “The Great Reunion.”
Adeniyi, who organized the Festival, noted: “People don’t understand other people’s culture. African, American, Caribbean, older, young. We want to show that we are one family, and we’re inviting everybody in Central Pennsylvania to join us as family.”
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100 ext. 1724.
# # #
