The University of Ibadan has received the sum of N1 billion for the funding of the first diaspora research centre in Africa to be situated in the University.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Thursday, the endowment facilitated by TETfund will be used to fund Education Centres and facilities for the Nigerians in the diaspora to foster knowledge exchange, fellowship, research, and transnational projects.
The Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri, made it known in a statement that her commission had already met with the UI management to discuss the framework and implementation strategies of the project which at completion is expected to shape the landmark of research and development in Africa.
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“TETFund followed through with the commitment by earmarking 1 billion naira for the establishment of Diaspora Research Centre in University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions.
“The Diaspora Research Centre will be the first of its kind in Africa with immense potential to shape the landscape of research and development in the continent,” Mrs Dabiri said.
According to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, the N1 billion allocation for the Diaspora Research Center in UI under the 2023 budgetary allocation followed the recommendation of NIDCOM. He added that an additional sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira has been earmarked as fund assistance for the Global Research Centre at the University.
“An allocation of 1 Billion Naira was provided in the Fund’s 2023 budgetary allocation under the Special Intervention Initiative of the Fund for the establishment of Diaspora Center for Research and Development.
“The allocation letter was given to the University of Ibadan in May 2023, with a recommendation that the Institution submits implementation plan for the effective take-off of activities.”
Reiterating the relevance of the project to the global research community, Mr Sonny Echono made the following remarks:
“The Centre is proposed to house a rich collection of African Diaspora and Transnational Studies resources, including textbooks, archival documents, audio and video tapes, online resources, microfilms and other related materials.
“It is as well intended to serve as a flagship scientific hub for teaching, research, and other academic activities related to diaspora and transnational studies.
“The proposal indicates that the proposed facility shall be an incubator for hosting experts, practitioners, and policy professionals with interest and experience in research, including hosting fellowship and exchange programmes to produce truly globally impactful diaspora and transnational knowledge.”