Free State varsity explores area of partnership with UI

As parts of efforts at building knowledge without borders, The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa is seeking collaboration with Nigerian premier university, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria.

The collaboration, according to a delegation from the South African based University is to partner the UI on curriculum development, risk management, border service issues and relevant issues on the environment which will produce good research that will better the Africa continent as a whole.

The visitors were led by the Vice-Rector, Research and International, Prof Corli Witthuhn.

Members of the delegation include Prof Heidi Hudson, Dean, Humanities; Dr. Stephanie Cawood, Director, Africa in Gender Studies; and Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier, Director, International.

While receiving the visitors, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka said the University of Ibadan is very passionate about internationalization agenda and will do everything possible to facilitate the process to collaborate with the University of the Free State on areas of interest.

Professor Olayinka who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Adebola Ekanola also informed the team of visitors that such collaboration could include the staff and student exchange programme and the possibility of having joint programmes that will produce resourceful output for both institutions and the continent in general.

He, therefore, reiterates that UI’s interest in the agenda has brought about the establishment of Office of International Programmes (OIP), the office of Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (RISP), Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS) among others.

Present at the occasion were the Registrar, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi ably represented by the Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Oluwole Dada; Director, Office of International Programmes (OIP), Prof Edith Ajaiyeoba and the Director, Directorate of Public Communication ably represented by Mr. ‘Kunle Oladipo.