A delegation from the University of Venda, led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Peter Mbati visited Nigeria where fruitful collaborative initiatives were held with the University of Ibadan, the largest University in Nigeria. Members of the delegation included the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof Godwin Mchau and the Directors of International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier and Communications and Marketing, Takalani Dzaga as well as the Schools Liaison Officer, Takalani Nyelisani and Chief Administrative Officer International Relations, Dr Segun Obadire.
On Monday, 17 July 2017, and as part of the University’s mission to increase its footprint on the African Continent, there was a historic launch of the University’s forum known as “Friends of the University of Venda in Nigeria”, which aims to strengthen its stakeholder relations in Nigeria.
The event took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Nigeria from 09:30. On the same day, an open information session was held from 14:00 until 16:00. This was intended to offer an opportunity to members of the public and potential students who are interested in pursuing their university education at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels through the University of Venda. Following a succinct introduction of the University by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati, a corporate video was viewed.
The corporate video included amongst others information on the University of Venda’s commitment to delivering high quality academic programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The University’s investment on significant resources ranging from highly qualified academics and National Research Foundation rated researchers, new buildings including student residences, staff offices, state of the art laboratory equipment and a modern ICT infrastructure to ensure that it produces graduates with skills relevant to our regional and national socio-economic development strategies were shared with the audience.
A structure comprising current and potential partners and Univen alumni was established to link the University with its strategic stakeholders in Nigeria. Below is the composition of the structure:
1. Prof Oluwatoyin Odeku, Director, Office of International Programmes, University of Ibadan, Chairperson
2. Dr Mary Bisi-Johnson, Senior Lecturer, Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Deputy Chairperson
3. Dr Abuh Momoh, Senior Lecturer, Geology, University of Jos, General Secretary
4. Mrs Sally Ibeh, Doctoral candidate, Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Deputy Secretary
5. Dr Oluseun Popoola, Chief Lecturer, Microbiology, Yaba College of Technology, Treasurer
In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson of Friends of the University of Venda in Nigeria, Prof Oluwatoyin Odeku did not hesitate to make a commitment that under her leadership, the newly elected committee will endeavour to continue projecting a positive image of the University of Venda in Nigeria. The enthusiasm to serve in the structure was demonstrated by having a brief meeting to consider the way forward shortly after the launch.
The prospective partners were excited and they showed interest in collaborating with the University in various fields including, agriculture, law, natural sciences, education, management sciences, health and environmental sciences. The universities which were represented indicated an interested in collaborating on staff and student exchanges, joint research activities in the fields mentioned above.
During the open information session, potential students had the opportunity to obtain information about various programmes that are on offer at the University of Venda. Congratulatory messages together with messages of support were received from Univen alumni and current as well as potential partners. Some of the alumni present during the launch had the opportunity to share with the audience, their experience at the University of Venda.
Issued by:
Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Private Bag X5050
Thohoyandou
0950
Tel: 015 962 8525
Date: 21 July 2017
