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Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival Policy will henceforth be based on reciprocity.
Speaking on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd University of Lagos International Week which held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall of the university, Dr Tunji-Ojo charged ivory towers in Nigeria to embrace innovative research, develop forward-thinking curriculum and come up with academic recommendations which would influence and reshape policies.
The Minister who took the gathering through some milestones of his ministry said about 99,985 Nigerian students have migrated to universities in the United Kingdom between 2017 and 2022 while over 100 Nigerian students benefit from postgraduate scholarships annually, a feat, which according to Dr. Tunji-Ojo, underscores the commitment of Nigerians to break new grounds.
Quoting copiously from the speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 78th United Nations General Assembly which held in New York, the former parliamentarian assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to building partnerships and collaborations that transcend borders, recognize and respect diversities, conquer limitations, foster inclusivity and empowers possibilities.
He re-affirmed government’s commitment to data harmonization, and announced that, by January 2024, application for International Passports will be fully automated and by the end of February 2024, the Nigerian Immigration Service would have perfected mechanisms to deliver passports to the chosen location of individuals.
Earlier in an address, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola OON, FAS, described the theme for the 3rd UNILAG International Week; “Breaking the Borders of Partnerships” as one which further accentuates the need for managers of higher tertiary institutions to recognize and embrace the globalization and internationalization of higher education in all its ramifications.
While recalling how the COVID-19 Pandemic necessitated knowledge-sharing, technological innovations, partnerships and collaborative actions to advance teaching, learning and research, Prof. Ogunsola reiterated the university’s commitment to yielding inquiring minds, discoveries, sound character, and a globally impactful workforce through her UNILAG Future-Ready Agenda.
According to the Vice-Chancellor and host of the event, UNILAG currently has not less than 200 direct and active international collaborations through which it explores alliance which gives room for knowledge/experience sharing around higher education management structure, co-creation of academic programmes, cross-fertilization of ideas, curriculum development and joint research.
She expressed strong hopes that the UNILAG 3rd International Week will offer “another unique opportunity to underscore the importance of international cooperation in higher education, identify and propose principles and standards for internationalization policies, forge new linkages and partnerships that can enrich teaching and learning experiences, research engagements, and other developments that can foster a decisive global movement towards what I call “inclusive internationalization”.
The 3rd UNILAG International Week according to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa in her remarks to formally welcome the crème-de-la-crème who converged for the event, is targeted at deconstructing barriers and fostering collaborations towards achieving a common pool of knowledge.
Prof. Atsenuwa said UNILAG, as a University of first choice and the nation’s pride, remains committed to internationalization with a view to galvanizing more research collaborations for further national relevance and development.
The Keynote Speaker at the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd UNILAG International Week was the Vice-Chancellor, University of Dundee, Professor Iain Gillespie who advocated concerted efforts across global academic communities, towards achieving common goals of identifying and addressing challenges.
Prof. Gillespie who also heads Universities Scotland (US) said partnerships must focus on: capacity building, students’ opportunities, brain circulation, creation of an enterprising culture, guaranteed access to education and contribution to quality of education and experience.
There were goodwill remarks from the acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki and the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, they both applauded the management of the University of Lagos for its internationalization efforts, assured of the support and goodwill of their institutions and passed a vote of confidence that UNILAG will soon join the league of top 100 universities across the world.
There were also remarks from representatives of the Diplomatic Corps as well as invited universities, they all expressed pride to be associated with UNILAG and assured of their commitments towards forging partnerships which would further engender collaborations, build partnerships and propel the globalization of higher education for global developments.
Source: https://unilag.edu.ng
