In a strategic move aimed at bolstering international partnerships and advancing academic pursuits, Summit University, Offa, (SUN, Offa), recently undertook a diplomatic visit to the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. Led by Chairman of Governing Council/Pro-Chancellor Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, alongside Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman Engr. Nurudeen Adeagbo,
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, and other esteemed members, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with His Excellency, S.E. M. Moha Ou Ali TAGMA, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria and the Deputy Ambassador, HE Mohammed Amane Tiyal. The SUN Offa team also included: Mr. Kunle Ibrahim, a BOT member; Professor Amidu Sanni, former VC of Fountain University, Osogbo; and Sheikh Muhyideen Hashim, an expert on foreign relations with the Arab world.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in regional integration and progress.
During the visit, the Pro-Chancellor highlighted the university’s rich history, tracing its roots from the establishment of the first primary school by the Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria nearly a century ago and subsequent establishment of over 200 primary schools and over 100 secondary schools in Nigeria to its evolution into the establishment of a full-fledged university in 2017, named Summit University. He underscored the enduring vision of the society to provide quality education and expand access across Nigeria and Africa at large.
Expressing eagerness for collaboration, the Vice-Chancellor articulated Summit University’s commitment to partnering with Moroccan government bodies and institutions to enhance various facets of academic and infrastructural development. This includes initiatives geared towards fostering cultural exchange and enriching the educational experience for students from both nations.
A key proposal discussed was the establishment of a dedicated College of Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers in collaboration with Moroccan universities or colleges, aimed at promoting linguistic diversity and cultural understanding among students.
The visit also provided an opportunity to explore avenues for faculty and student exchange programs, joint research endeavours, and academic partnerships with Moroccan counterparts. The General Manager of Summit Advancement Bureau highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts in cashew aggregation with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Foodco and other companies, emphasizing the potential for similar partnerships in Morocco.
In response, the Moroccan Ambassador affirmed that the collaboration would strengthen bilateral ties and pledged support for realizing the shared agenda. Closing remarks by the BOT Chairman conveyed gratitude for the warm reception and affirmed commitment to ensuring the success of the collaboration, acknowledging the support extended during the Ansar Ud Deen Society centenary celebration in 2023.
