The University of Ibadan has received the sum of N1 billion for the funding of a diaspora research centre.
This was made known by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in a jointly signed statement on Thursday.
The statement by the Chairman, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri, the two agencies said it was aimed to fund Education Centres and facilities for the Nigerians in the diaspora to strengthen knowledge exchange, fellowship, research, and transnational projects.
Dabiri said, “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.”
She also explained that the management of TETFund are NIDCOM were in contact with UI, where the Diaspora Research Centre is to be sited to discuss groundwork, models, and implementation plans on the completion of the project.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono commended the Commission for their nation-building efforts and advocacy for collaboration on research.
Echono disclosed that the Diaspora Research Centre to be domiciled in the University of Ibadan followed the recommendation of NIDCOM.
The Executive Secretary further said, “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.”
Echono, while reiterating TETFund commitment to research and development, stated that an additional sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira was also allocated to the UI under the 2023 budgetary allocation, Designated Projects, as fund assistance for Global Research Centre at the institution.
The Executive Secretary identified the importance of the facility to the global research community, adding that, “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.”
“The University of Ibadan is presently perfecting plans for signing of the MOU with NIDCOM, which is the collaborating institution that has been interfacing with TETFund on Diaspora Centre of Excellence project together with NIDCOM.
“The University has also initiated the search for a TETFund-accredited firm to set about the design of the structure in conformity with the value of the awarded grant while interfacing with the University of Ibadan,” he added.
