Rachel Garwood, Director of the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) signed the paperwork with Dr Isuwa Kari Adamu, Director General/CEO, NILEST of The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology from Nigeria on April 25.
Collaboration on research, student and tutor training level were discussed with the intention of increasing capacity with the Nigerian Leather industry.

Garwood believes that the partnership will be beneficial to the University by increasing international student intake plus "train the trainer".

She said: "It was a delight to meet with NILEST and the permanent secretary for the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and formalise a relationship.

“This will increase our already successful international spread of student intake for Leather. The University’s Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) are pleased to add value to the Governments investment in the Nigerian leather industry ¬ one of the highest income generating sectors of the Nigerian economy".

Six representatives from the organisations, including the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, visited The University of Northampton during their week-long visit to the UK. The University of Northampton has a working tannery and a complete range of tannery machinery available to students.