The Tanzanian government has directed the exploration of partnership opportunities that will enable the exchange of tertiary institution students between Nigeria and the Country, especially in the areas of research and project management.
President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu-Hassan, gave the directive in her virtual acceptance speech during a ceremony marking an honorary doctorate bestowed on her by Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) at its 8th convocation.
President Suluhu-Hassan said the initiative will strengthen the bonds between Nasarawa State University, Keffi, North Central Nigeria, and Tanzania in the years ahead.*
“I have instructed my Minister for Education, Science and Technology to engage with your team and explore opportunities for establishing exchange programmes, study tours, or any form of partnership that may be mutually beneficial for Tanzania and Nigeria, higher learning institutions, and universities “
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According to her, the decision comes in recognition of the 25 years of existence of Nasarawa State University and its demonstration of resilience, growth, and impressive achievements.
“Indeed, from its humble beginning to its current standing, the university has distinguished itself as a centre of learning, custodian of academic knowledge, and a beacon of hope for future generations,” President Suluhu-Hassan said.
She commended the Governor of Nasarawa State, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the University Council, as well as the academic staff and the entire Nasarawa State University community for the nomination and award of the prestigious honorary doctorate, stressing that it came as a surprise.
The President said; “I must admit that I was surprised when I received the letter from His Excellency Abdullahi Sule, the Governor of Nasarawa State, informing me of the conferment.
“What really warmed my heart is that the award is conferred upon me in recognition of my enormous contribution to the development of the African continent.
“In this regard, I receive this distinguished recognition with a great sense of humility and appreciation to my country. It is indeed a tribute to our shared commitment to progress, cooperation, and advancement of humanity.”
President Suluhu-Hassan urged women to emulate her modest background, which started from the village, and her leadership journey, hoping that it would inspire young women of Nasarawa State and across the African continent to strive for greatness and not settle for less.
She said, in addition to being the President of Tanzania, the African Union Summit in February this year appointed her as a champion for maternal and child health.
“I have also served as a champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area on women and youth in trade and a champion of clean cooking energy in Africa. It is also a testament to the belief that regardless of one’s beginnings, it is possible to rise and serve at the highest level,” she said.
The President of Tanzania urged the graduating students to use what they have learned in school to impact their environment, especially their communities.
President Suluhu-Hassan encouraged the university to continue striving for excellence, nurturing innovation, and contributing meaningfully to the development of Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.
The Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adat Hassan Liman, described the Tanzanian President as an Amazon who has been at the forefront of promoting development and inclusivity in Africa.
Professor Liman expressed the university’s commitment to the proposed partnership, believing that it will strengthen education in NSUK, Nigeria, Tanzania, and the African continent.
On the Convocation, Professor Liman said “the university, which grew from two faculties to 11 faculties, now has over 60 departments, running 315 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and graduating 32,884 students in the combined convocation ceremony.”