By Nudoiba Ojen
Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (EKSU) and the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Research cooperation and mutually beneficial partnership.
The Head, EKSU Directorate of Information, Bode Olofinmuagun, said in a statement that the Principal Officers of EKSU and UWE participated in the ceremony virtually.
EKSU Director of Advancement, Linkages and Alumni Relations, Prof. Samuel Olatunji, said that the historic event would involve research cooperation and scholarly exchange among staff and students of the two institutions in line with the directives of the university Senate and the policy of relevant regulatory bodies.
The Vice Chancellor, University of the West of England, Prof. Sir Steve West, expressed delight in signing the MOU.
Prof. West said, “Our great universities have much in common which will allow us to mutually explore local, regional and global opportunities across learning and teaching, research and knowledge exchange”.
The UWE VC said, “UWE and EKSU will continue to walk together in the journey of discovery to find out more about what might be possible”.
EKSU VC, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, said that “the two institutions are committed to collaborating in teaching and research with a view to advancing knowledge and transforming the lives of their staff and students”.
Olanipekun, who spoke through the Deputy VC (Academic), Prof. Babatola Ayodele, said, “The focus is to key into the globalization of education and knowledge sharing, which will be mutually beneficial to the two universities”.
The EKSU VC, who expressed satisfaction at the development, directed the Directorate of Advancement Linkages and Alumni Relations of the university to swing into action and to ensure that due process was followed in respect of relevant regulatory provisions and international best practices.
The President, EKSU Alumni, UK and Ireland, Ms Wonu Adeladun, remarked that the event marked a new dawn in the role of Alumni in the development of their Alma mater.
Adeladun congratulated the two universities for the giant strides.
