On 22 December 1996, a Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between Institut Teknologi MARA and the Sabah Government Teachers’ Union was held at the Tawau Library Auditorium.
Institut Teknologi MARA Sabah Branch was represented by Dato’ Ir. Dr. Haji Ahmad Zaidee Bin Haji Laidin, Director of Institut Teknologi MARA, while the Sabah Government Teachers’ Union was represented by Encik Claudius Roman. Also present at the ceremony were the Provost of Institut Teknologi MARA Sabah Branch, Associate Professor Zainuddin Bin Osman; Deputy Provost Dr. Rosdiana Binti Haji Sukardi; Encik Mailk Bin Wahid; and staff of Institut Teknologi MARA Sabah Branch.
With the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, the establishment of the ITM Off-Campus Study Programme could be implemented more easily, in conjunction with the opening of the Institut Teknologi MARA Branch Campus in Tawau. In addition, the professional development of educators could specifically assist teachers in improving their academic qualifications by pursuing higher-level studies without having to leave their primary duties.
Pada 22 Disember 1996 bertempat di Auditorium Perpustakaan Tawau telah berlangsung Majlis Menandatangani Memorandum Persefahaman antara Institut Teknologi MARA dan Kesatuan Guru-Guru Kerajaan Sabah.
Institut Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sabah diwakili oleh Dato’ Ir. Dr. Haji Ahmad Zaidee Bin Haji Laidin selaku Pengarah Institut Teknologi MARA manakala Kesatuan Guru-Guru Kerajaan Sabah pula diwakili oleh Encik Claudius Roman. Turut hadir dalam Majlis berkenaan adalah Provos Institut Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sabah Prof Madya Zainuddin Bin Osman, Timbalan Provos Dr. Rosdiana Binti Haji Sukardi, Encik Mailk Bin Wahid serta staf Institut Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sabah.
Dengan termeterainya Memorandum Persefahaman ini penubuhan Program Pengajian Luar Kampus ITM akan mudah terlaksana seiring dengan pembukaan Kampus Cawangan Institut Teknologi MARA di Tawau. Selain itu, Pembangunan profesional pendidik secara khusus dapat membantu golongan guru-guru meningkatkan kelayakan akademik mereka dengan melanjutkan pengajian ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi tanpa perlu meninggalkan tugas hakiki mereka.