NLU Prayagraj and University of Pretoria Forge Historic International Academic Partnership
NLU Prayagraj joins hands with the University of Pretoria in a groundbreaking global legal education partnership—scroll down to read more!
April 9, 2025 | Prayagraj — In a significant step toward global academic collaboration in the field of legal education, Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (NLU Prayagraj) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Pretoria, South Africa, through its Faculty of Law. This milestone agreement aims to foster legal excellence, promote research innovation, and deepen cross-cultural academic ties between the two globally reputed institutions.
The MoU was signed virtually by Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of NLU Prayagraj, and Prof. Elsabe Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Zozo Dyani-Mhango, Chair of Internationalisation & Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa, University of Pretoria; Mr. Satya Prakash, Registrar of NLU Prayagraj; along with other distinguished faculty members from both universities.
A Vision for Collaborative Legal Education
This international collaboration reflects a shared vision to elevate the standards of legal education through dynamic academic exchange and joint initiatives. The MoU establishes a framework for a variety of mutually beneficial programs such as faculty and student exchange, joint research projects, and the co-organisation of seminars, conferences, and symposia. These activities aim to broaden the global perspectives of students and faculty, while also encouraging comparative legal studies between India and South Africa.
A core focus of this academic partnership lies in faculty and researcher exchange programs, enabling scholars from both institutions to engage in collaborative research, contribute to ongoing legal discussions, and co-author academic publications. Further, research scholarships and training opportunities will offer students immersive international experiences, fostering both academic excellence and intercultural dialogue.
Leadership Speaks
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon expressed her enthusiasm, stating:
“This alliance opens new avenues for our students and faculty to engage in transnational legal discourse, develop a comparative perspective, and contribute meaningfully to wider legal scholarship. This is a unique association in the sense that NLU Prayagraj, being a nascent university, has joined hands with a century-old institution for quality academic exchange. It strengthens our commitment to world-class excellence and academic outreach.”
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Elsabe Schoeman underlined the significance of this new partnership, saying:
“We are very excited about this collaboration. We don’t have many agreements with Indian universities—this is actually such a direct engagement with a rapidly growing law school in India, which makes it a landmark moment for us.”
Strengthening Global Outreach
This strategic MoU marks a pivotal chapter in NLU Prayagraj’s expanding international footprint, reaffirming its dedication to global knowledge-sharing and producing legally astute professionals ready for the global stage. Notably, the university has previously signed MoUs with NLU Delhi, NLU Mumbai, NLU Goa, and the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies (ICPS).
As the academic year unfolds, stakeholders from both NLU Prayagraj and the University of Pretoria anticipate a vibrant exchange of ideas, cultures, and legal thought. This partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of impactful international legal education in the years to come.
