UniUyo, British Council Explore UK University Partnerships, Student Entrepreneurship
Thomas Thomas
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, has expressed the institution’s readiness to strengthen international academic partnerships, particularly with universities in the United Kingdom, as part of efforts to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Professor Ekong stated this when a delegation of the British Council, led by its Programme Manager, Higher Education, Tosin Adeoti, paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Chamber, Main Campus, on Thursday.
The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the delegation and commended the British Council for its contributions to educational development in Nigeria. He also appreciated the team for choosing the University of Uyo as a potential partner in its proposed international academic collaborations.
Recalling his participation in a British Council programme in 1997 or thereabout, Professor Ekong said his experience had given him an appreciation of the organisation’s capacity to support educational advancement and international cooperation.
He expressed the university’s interest in establishing mutually beneficial relationships with foreign institutions, particularly those in the United Kingdom, and voiced optimism that the British Council would facilitate the realisation of this objective.
On innovation and entrepreneurship, the Vice-Chancellor urged the British Council to consider the University of Uyo in its proposed initiatives, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for students to develop innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills.
He also called for appropriate mechanisms to encourage Nigerian students who pursue studies abroad to return home and contribute their knowledge and expertise to national development.
Earlier, Adeoti congratulated Professor Ekong on his emergence as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, describing his appointment as well deserved in view of his exposure and academic accomplishments.
He explained that the delegation’s visit was aimed at exploring opportunities for partnerships between the University of Uyo and universities in the United Kingdom. He noted that the UK was home to many highly ranked universities whose expertise and resources could support international academic collaboration.
According to him, the British Council was also interested in providing guidance and support to prospective Nigerian students seeking admission into universities in the United Kingdom.
Adeoti further disclosed that the British Council, in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC), was exploring initiatives to equip Nigerian graduates with the skills to become job creators rather than depend solely on paid employment.
He added that the proposed initiative would include grants to support student entrepreneurship, with the aim of encouraging innovation and helping students translate their ideas into viable business ventures.
The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas of mutual interest, including international academic partnerships, student development, research collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Members of the delegation included Nene Ogunade, Project Manager, Higher Education, British Council; Professor Idara Akpabio, Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences; Professor Akaninyene Antia, Postgraduate Coordinator, Faculty of Physical Sciences; Professor Godwin Ebong, Head of the Department of Chemistry; Professor Basil Ita, Head of the Organic Chemistry Unit; and Dr Itoro Essiet Udo, Unit Head, Industrial Chemistry Unit.
The Vice-Chancellor was flanked by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ini Uko; the Registrar, Mrs Blossom Okorie; the Bursar, Dr Moses Akpan; the Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aniefiok Ukommi; and the Head of Administration, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Ukuette Bassey.