The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abuja, has commended the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola for his efforts in leveraging diaspora engagement in his Institution to foster national development.
The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave this commendation over the weekend during the 12th Convocation ceremony lecture of the institution.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa 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.
Speaking on the topic, “Diaspora Engagements for National Development,” she emphasized 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 added that the collaboration would also support sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian diaspora lecturers.
Her words, “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 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 center.
“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 easy but we could go far and fast if we all unite with a single purpose to develop Nigeria”.
In his remarks, Aare Afe Babalola urged Nigerians to resist the “japa” syndrome, emphasizing that collective efforts are necessary to develop Nigeria into a fortified nation.
He praised Dr. Dabiri-Erewa for delivering the institution’s 12th convocation lecture, noting that her insights would serve as a source of inspiration for both undergraduates and graduating students.
