Nilai International University College (Nilai UC) and Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding on 19 Feb 2008. This signing ceremony was officiated by Mohd Zamani bin Harun (Timbalan Setiausaha Bhg Operasi Latihan, Ministry of Health) who was representing the Deputy Minister of Health, Datuk Dr Hj Abd Latiff bin Ahmad.
The MoU was to signal a joint development of a post registration programme for nursing between the two long-standing partners. In his welcoming address, Prof Emeritus Tengku Dato' Shamsul Bahrin, President of Nilai UC noted that Deputy Minister of Health had mentioned in another recent Nilai UC function (Conference on Regulatory issues in Laboratory Medicine, 16 Jan 2008, Petaling Jaya) had said there was a pressing need for more allied health workers such as nurses.
"We are always very responsive to the government's suggestions and this MoU is a clear signal of us acting upon that suggestion," said Tengku Shamsul.
Tengku Shamsul also took the opportunity to announce that the debut batch of nursing students in 2005 had achieved a 100% pass rate and hoped that the lecturers would keep up the good work. "But instead of resting on our laurels, we are constantly looking to improve our programme and this MoU is the way forward," added Tengku Shamsul.
Signing on behalf of Oxford Brookes University was June Girvin, Dean of the School of Health and Social Care, who said she was proud of the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and was looking forward to help further build Nilai UC's nursing programme.
Also in attendance was Zainooriah Dato' Hj Zakariah from the Nursing Board who along with Mohd Zamani witnessed the signing. The signing ceremony was held at Nilai UC's on-campus training restaurant Flamme and guests were treated to a four-course meal specially prepared by students of the School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Nilai UC is situated in the picturesque suburb of Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan and is a mere 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Bordering the Multimedia Super Corridor and a 15-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Nilai UC is one of the first institutions in the country allowed to run 3+0 degree programmes. Already in its eleventh year of operations, Nilai UC proudly boasts of an eclectic student population on its award-winning 105-acre campus. Courses offered include accounting, actuarial science, business, culinary arts, engineering and many more.
