In a groundbreaking move to advance women’s education and bolster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) have signed an educational cooperative partnership agreement with Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The partnership aims to establish a robust framework for collaboration among the four universities, focusing on creative industries, faculty and student exchange programs, and mutually beneficial educational initiatives.
The event, held at UNILAG, was attended by U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., members of the U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee, leaders from other universities in and around Lagos, as well as staff and students from the partnering institutions.
This partnership, aptly titled “Developing Partnerships between U.S. and Nigerian Institutions of Higher Education,” marks a significant milestone in educational cooperation and is set to pave the way for numerous academic and cultural exchanges, enriching the educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
The signing ceremony was graced by prominent academic figures, including UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by LASU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo; Dean of the School of Management and Social Science at PAU, Prof. Sola Oni; and Dr. Helene Gayle of Spelman College.
Prof. Ogunsola, the chief host, highlighted the importance of this partnership, expressing hope that it will strengthen ties with the diaspora community and advance STEM education in the country.
“We hope to forge stronger ties with the diaspora community to foster a developmental drive that will engender the growth of STEM education in Nigeria.
“This will help to promote capacity building for faculties, improve collaborations, foster exchange opportunities, facilitate co-creation of curricula, and encourage multi-disciplinary research engagements,” she said.
Highlighting UNILAG’s commitment to the initiative, Prof. Ogunsola further emphasised the university’s proactive approach to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and innovations.
“I assure our commitment to leverage partnerships to build capacities in sports, artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, entrepreneurship, and other key areas to meet contemporary needs and resolve global issues,” she said.
This pledge, she added, reflects UNILAG’s strategic focus on integrating advanced technologies and entrepreneurial skills into its academic programs, ensuring that students are well-equipped to tackle modern challenges.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello expressed LASU’s enthusiasm about the partnership, particularly in enhancing its Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education.
She also highlighted the recent establishment of the School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, and Disabilities Support Office at LASU.
Dr. Helene Gayle congratulated the Lagos-based universities on this forward-thinking initiative.
She lauded the commitment of the Lagos institutions to advancing faculty growth and national development.
“This collaboration was conceived following a decision by the U.S. Presidential Advisory Committee to promote educational exchange programs between Africa and the diaspora. It is our hope that our students from Africa can change the world by better understanding the world through the kind of exposure that this partnership offers,” she noted.
