Namibian Envoy to Nigeria Visits UNILAG, Seeks Closer Ties

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, paid a working visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS on Friday, August 16, 2024.

He was received at the Vice-Chancellor’s 11th Floor, Senate House office by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh.

In a very convivial manner, and cutting to the chase, the Namibian envoy disclosed the purpose of his visit as seeking closer ties and collaborations with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) “so that we can learn from each other”.

His words, “Compared to the two public universities we have in Namibia, the University of Lagos is bigger in number, size, and institutional history. You are more accomplished in terms of international exposure and experience and we will be glad to learn from you. You are the obvious leaders here and it will be our delight to follow you closely.”

In response, Prof. Oboh extended the warm greetings of the Vice-Chancellor to the visiting diplomat, and affirmed the necessity of closer ties. She expressed the willingness of UNILAG to collaborate with the University of Namibia as well as the Namibia University of Science and Technology, in different areas of complementary interests.

“Here at the University of Lagos, we are very much interested in South-South cooperation, and we will do our best to see to the fruition of this proposed collaboration. Since our initial contact in 2019, there has been a lull but we are now ready to fast-track things with our Office of International Relations, Prospects and Partnerships. In terms of training, research, faculty and student exchange, there are a number of things that we can do together and for each other. We very willing”, she said.

DVC Oboh used the opportunity of Mr. Geiseb’s visit to invite him and the two Namibian universities to the upcoming International Week of the University of Lagos, which is scheduled for October 2024.

Both leaders discussed other areas of mutual interests between their respective countries, highlighting the possibility of cultural exchanges. According to the High Commissioner, “there is so much that we do not see of each other’s culture.”

REPORT: Isaiah Kumuyi

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ayo Oloyede