Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) and Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU) have agreed to establish collaboration in developing the Tridharma of higher education, including plans for UMSU to support UINSU in opening its Faculty of Medicine.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed directly by the Rector of UMSU, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, and the Rector of UINSU, Prof. Dr. Nuhayati, M.Ag, on Monday (27/10) at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3, Medan. The event was attended by UINSU’s Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. H. Azhari Akmal Tarigan, M.Ag, and Vice Rector IV for Cooperation and Institutional Development, Prof. Dr. H. Muzakkir, M.Ag. From UMSU, the Chairman of BPH Dr. H. Bahril Datuk, SE, MM, vice rectors, deans, deputy deans, and directors were also present.
In her remarks, UINSU Rector Prof. Dr. Nuhayati expressed appreciation for UMSU’s warm reception and conveyed optimism about the partnership that has been and will continue to be developed.
“Our presence here further strengthens the collaboration we have built through many joint initiatives,” said Prof. Nuhayati.
She explained that this collaboration aligns with the Tridharma of higher education, particularly in research and academic development.
“This also relates to the Tridharma, including our cooperation in research assistance. We are also planning to establish a Faculty of Medicine, and UMSU will act as our mentor in that process. Hopefully, it can be realized soon,” she added.
Prof. Nuhayati reaffirmed UINSU’s commitment to achieving its goal of establishing a medical faculty.
“We hope this collaboration continues and brings significant benefits to both universities. Please guide and support us. This will become an important legacy for the establishment of UINSU’s Faculty of Medicine,” she said.
In addition to the medical program, UINSU is also pursuing further collaboration with UMSU’s postgraduate school through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to develop new study programs.
“We also have an MoA with the Postgraduate School to explore the opening of new programs. Hopefully, this MoU brings blessings to all of us,” she concluded.
Responding to this, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP expressed pride and gratitude for UINSU’s visit. He emphasized that the relationship between the two universities has long been strong.
“Our history with UINSU is remarkable. We have often shared major agendas together. Whatever UMSU has, we are always open to collaboration. Through this partnership, meaningful academic outcomes will surely emerge, as long as both parties remain committed,” he said.
During the event, the UMSU Rector also highlighted recent developments at UMSU’s Faculty of Medicine, which is preparing to open specialization programs in surgery, pulmonology, internal medicine, and pediatrics in 2026.
“When UINSU receives permission to open a Faculty of Medicine, we will certainly collaborate. This is part of our shared pursuit of success,” he stated.
He briefly described UMSU’s long journey in establishing its Faculty of Medicine, which was initially rejected several times.
“When we first proposed establishing the Faculty of Medicine, our application was rejected five times. We were then advised to seek a mentoring institution, and UNSYIAH became our mentor. Today, we have guided three universities in establishing their medical faculties—Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, UMRI, and Universitas Palu,” he explained.
The UMSU Rector confirmed the university’s readiness to mentor UINSU in developing its Faculty of Medicine.
“Although our main focus now is mentoring UINSU in establishing its Faculty of Medicine, this does not limit us from pursuing other collaborations,” he concluded.
He also invited UINSU to take part in the upcoming Muhammadiyah Congress, particularly through exhibitions and scientific collaborations.
