By correspondent in Abuja.
Summit University, Offa (SUN, Offa), Kwara State, Nigeria is poised to lead innovation in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Drone building and piloting, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
To solidify its position, SUN Offa is in the process of formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education.
This move underscores the university’s commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence, particularly in emerging technologies.
The initiative was revealed in Abuja during a courtesy visit to Ambassador Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Leading the delegation was Chairman of the Governing Council/Pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, accompanied by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu.
Others are:Hon. Kunle Ibrahim, member, SUN Offa Board of Trustees (BOT) & Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters; Professor Amidu Sanni (former VC of Fountain University, Osogbo), and Sheikh Muhyideen Hashim, an expert in foreign relations with the Arab world.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized Summit University’s readiness to partner with Saudi Arabian institutions on various emerging technology areas.
He advocated engagement to enhance academic and infrastructural development, fostering cultural exchange and enriching the educational experience for students from both nations.
A proposal discussed include the establishment of a dedicated College of Arabic Language for non-native speakers, aimed at promoting linguistic diversity and cultural understanding among students.
In response, Ambassador Alghamdi assured the visiting team of the Kingdom’s readiness to foster knowledge exchange between the two countries.
He highlighted the significance of education, especially female education, and discussed the potential of initiatives like “Artificial Intelligence for Females in STEM” and “Artificial Intelligence for Women in Aquaculture”.
The Ambassador promised to promote collaboration and assistance to SUN, Offa and expressed optimism that the initiative would also pave the way for faculty and student exchange programmes, joint research endeavours, and academic partnerships.
The Pro-Chancellor,during his closing,remarks highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts in cashew aggregation with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Foodco and other organizations, indicating the potential for similar partnerships in the Kingdom.
Other esteemed members of the SUN Offa team include SUN Offa BOT Chairman, Engr. Nurudeen Adeagbo, and Dr. Nurat Akinlabi-Babalola GM, Summit University Advancement Bureau.
