Sunday Okobi
History has been made as Bowie State University in Maryland (BSU), United States, and Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Kwara State (TAU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The management of the university said this “huge feet is the first step in the landmark collaboration between Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, USA and Thomas Adewumi University, Oko Kwara State, Nigeria, in creating a global community for the students and faculties of both institutions.
“The universities will be collaborating in the development of research projects, joint management of grants applications, organisation of joint academic and scientific activities such as course, conferences, seminars, symposia or lectures, exchange of research and teaching personnel, exchange programmes for students, exchange of publications and other materials of common interest and pathways for students of TAU to advance in their studies and scholarships by enrolling in Bowie State University graduate programmes.
“This MOU symbolises our commitment to fostering meaningful exchanges, and culture, understanding, and leverage in our collective expertise, to address challenges, facing our community, and the world at large. Through this partnership, we are firm our belief in the transformative power of education, and our shared responsibilities to a harness it for the greater good. All collaboration has power to catalyse positive change and drive innovation in the STEM, arts and humanities fields.
“The collaboration shall spur economic development and promote sustainable solution to complex problems. This partnership will open doors to our students and faculties to engage in meaningful exchanges, collaborative research project and immersive learning experiences it offers them the opportunity to broaden the horizons expanded networks and gain invaluable insights from diverse perspectives.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, in her closing address, acknowledged that the road ahead may be challenging but it is her strong believe that with the deep commitment of both institutions to innovation and excellence, there is no doubt we will overcome every obstacle and achieve our vision of a brighter future for generations to come.
The President of Bowie State University, Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, while quoting Marian Wright Edelman, said: “You can’t become what you can’t see.”
She remarked on the celebration of the MOU signing that “international education allows students to see and experience other cultures, histories and perspectives. It broadens and deepens the learning experiences and most importantly encourages the students to see where they fit in the world.”
She thanked the leadership of TAU for their commitment to the relationship and providing greater opportunities for both institutions to fulfil “our responsibilities and the mission to create a better and bright future for our young people in our global community”.
Congressman, Owolewa further added his voice to the milestone achievement that the MOU represents. He added that the MOU is critical for change in the Kwara South community not only economically but for the young people as well.
The event was attended by the resident of Bowie State University, Dr Aminta H. Breaux; Provost, Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, and other members of faculties of BSU. Thomas Adewumi University was likewise represented by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Francisca Oladipo, Chancellor, Chief JBO Adewumi; member of BoT, Dr Gloria Adewumi; US Congressman, Oye Owolewa; Director Legal Services (TAU), Representative of the Nigerian Embassy in America, former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Ayodeji Ayodele and members Kwara South in America.
