The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abuja, has sought meaningful collaboration with the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), for the benefit of the students in the Diaspora
This is just as ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola cautions Nigerians against embarking on “Japa” syndrome, urging collective efforts for national development.
The Chairman of NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke on Saturday during the 12th Convocation ceremony lecture of the institution stated that collaboration between ABUAD and the Commission would also entail sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian diaspora lecturers.
She stated that the objective of the Commission is to harness diaspora engagement in achieving national development.
At the Lecture titled “Diaspora Engagements for National Development,” Dr Dabiri-Erewa stated that the partnership would allow ABUAD, along with Nigerians in the diaspora, “To collaborate through staff and student exchange programs and joint research projects that address global challenges. ”
She highlighted the university’s initiatives, including the establishment of a partnership with King’s College London, United Kingdom, which provides ABUAD students with access to foreign universities.
She urged that the student exchange programs “should target second and third-generation Nigerians in the diaspora, who could bring fresh perspectives to the university community.”
Dabiri-Erewa said “The Afe Babalola University has already captured this vision by establishing a linkage with the King’s College London, United Kingdom which will allow Abuad to liaise with other Universities in the world and also enable ABUAD students to access Universities from their campus.
“I encourage the University to establish a Diaspora Centre of Excellence which can offer courses in diaspora-related issues and also serve as a research centre.
“I call on Nigerians in the Diaspora to join hands with the Commission either as individuals or as groups through any of our numerous programmes to complement governments’ efforts in attaining sustainable development.
“It would not be easy but we could go far and fast if we all unite with a single purpose to develop Nigeria”.
The ABUAD founder appreciated Dr Dabiri-Erewa for delivering the institution’s 12th convocation lecture, saying the lecture was insightful and inspiring for the students.