Academic Excellence: Diplomat Applauds Nasarawa State University

The Head of Chancery at Nigeria House in the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Kalambe, has lauded Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

Ambassador Kalambe’s commendation came during an address to 60 Doctorate students from the Institute of Governance and Development Studies (IGDS) at Nasarawa State University, who were on a continental study tour.

Led by Prof. Andrew Zamani, Director of IGDS, and his Deputy Director, Associate Prof. Usman A. Yusuf, the students embarked on a week-long Fellowship Study Tour of the Republic of Benin, where they engaged in academic and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador Kalambe was impressed by the proactive approach taken by Nasarawa State University’s leadership to delve into the crucial issues relevant to their academic pursuits.

In his address, the Director of the Institute of Governance and Development Studies, Prof. Andrew Zamani, expressed the visiting team’s delight in encountering individuals who epitomize Nigeria’s dedication to excellence.

Prof. Zamani highlighted the remarkable transformation undergone by Nasarawa State University under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed over the past six years.

He emphasized that the institution’s concerted efforts, particularly through its various centres, have significantly contributed to societal development, extending its positive influence beyond its immediate vicinity to neighbouring states and even onto the national stage.

The choice of Benin Republic for the study tour was not only fitting but also strategic, according to Prof. Zamani, underscoring the university’s commitment to broadening its impact and influence on a global scale.

“We are here to explore the international terrain and have chosen to begin with the West African Sub-region. We are very deliberate in our intention and interested in regional integration.

“Only few weeks ago, we had a long engagement with ECOWAS in Abuja, and with our brother countries from ECOWAS and it was very clear that they really desire the intellectual component to serve their mandate,” he said.

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The director emphasised that the study tour symbolized a steadfast commitment to the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS and the promotion of economic prosperity across West Africa.

He noted the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic, spanning decades of cooperation and mutual support.

Recalling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural foreign visit to Benin Republic in 2023, the director underscored the significance of the relationship, stating, “Benin Republic holds a special place in Nigeria’s diplomatic agenda, being the first country President Tinubu visited upon assuming office. This underscores the deep-rooted ties between our nations.”

Describing Nigeria and Benin Republic as akin to two brothers with indelible historical bonds, the director emphasized the interconnectedness that transcends artificial boundaries and linguistic differences.

“The region is under threat by merchants of conflicts and insurgency. We want to investigate and find out what is it that is happening within the region that affects security and development,” he said

The doctoral students have embarked on this journey not only to explore but also to critically assess the theories they’ve studied in classrooms, aiming to discern whether the artificial boundaries imposed by colonial powers have indeed created a tangible distinction between Benin Republic and Nigeria.

In his closing statements, Associate Prof. Usman Yusuf, the Deputy Director of the Institute, extended gratitude to the Embassy for their invaluable support, expressing confidence that the knowledge gleaned from this experience will be harnessed for the mutual advancement of both nations.

Among the distinguished attendees were Amb. Saidu Tiggi (Charge D’Affaires), Amb. Bukar Kalambe (Head of Chancery), Prof. Andrew Zamani (Director of the Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies, IGDS), his Deputy, Associate Prof. Usman Yusuf, Mrs. Ruth Ibrahim (Immigration Attaché), Adebunmi Oyewumi (Counselor), and the diligent students.