University News Last updated 08 October
Birmingham City University (BCU) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nishkam Civic Association (NCA), marking the beginning of a formal partnership focused on values-led leadership, widening participation in higher education, and community development.
The agreement was confirmed on Friday 3 October during a visit to the Nishkam Campus in Handsworth by Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of BCU, and Ajit Singh, Managing Director of NCA.
The tour began at the Gurudwara, where Professor Mba paid his respects to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
It was followed by a working lunch which also included Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh, Spiritual Leader and Chairman of the Nishkam Group, Amrick Singh Ubhi DL, Campus Director of Civic Engagement and Partnerships, and Professor Upkar S. Pardesi, Executive Chair of NCA.
During the signing ceremony, Professor Mba was also presented with the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation scroll - a gesture symbolising the shared commitment of both institutions to peacebuilding and ethical leadership.
Professor Mba said: "This partnership reflects our shared belief that education must be a force for social good. By working with the Nishkam Civic Association, we are creating pathways that empower individuals from all backgrounds to access higher education and thrive as leaders.
“I am deeply honoured by the presentation of the Peace Charter - a powerful reminder that reconciliation and compassion must be central to the work we do as educators and community partners."
Anita Bhalla OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors at BCU, added: "In order to make higher education truly count, we must empower our communities and bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.
“This partnership is a bold step in building those bridges - connecting academic excellence with civic purpose to ensure that education transforms lives in every corner of our city."
Bhai Sahib Professor Mohinder Singh added: "It has been an honour to welcome David to the Gurudwara and the Nishkam Campus to sign the MoU between BCU and NCA.
“This partnership is about promoting values-led senior leadership and developing transformative and visionary leaders of the future.
“The Peace Charter is a universal call to forgiveness and reconciliation, and it is vital that all institutions embrace this spirit. Only by healing divisions can we build a future of true peace and shared prosperity."
Ajit Singh, Managing Director of NCA, said: "This MoU is more than a formal agreement - it is a commitment to combine academic rigour with community values.
“Together, we will explore and extend opportunities for collaboration, develop future leaders, and strengthen pathways that ensure everyone can thrive."
Professor Upkar S. Pardesi, Executive Chair of NCA, commented: "As a former Dean of the BCU Business School, I have witnessed how transformative education and apprenticeships can be.
“This partnership with BCU ensures we can reach into all our diverse communities across Birmingham, opening doors for every individual to benefit from higher education and leadership opportunities."
The MoU sets the foundation for a series of joint initiatives between BCU and NCA, including collaborative programmes in values-led leadership, apprenticeships, widening participation, cultural immersion, and community engagement.
The partnership aims to equip individuals with the skills, values, and vision needed to lead with integrity and create meaningful change in society.
Main image (from left to right): Bhai Sahib Prof. Mohinder Singh, Spiritual Leader and Chairman of the Nishkam Group, Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, and Ajit Singh, Managing Director, NCA. (Credit: BCU)