Spelman College, a prominent institution dedicated to the education of African-descent women based in Atlanta, Georgia, entered into a formal educational agreement with three esteemed universities located in Lagos, Nigeria: University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Pan-Atlantic University. The signing ceremony took place on Friday at the University of Lagos.
This significant collaboration was established in
commemoration of the 50-year Sister Cities partnership between Lagos and
Atlanta. Its primary objectives are to strengthen educational ties between the
United States and Nigeria, with a specific focus on supporting and advancing
women’s education.
Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College and a member
of the US President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, stated
on Saturday that one of the primary objectives of the council is to enhance
educational connections and interactions between the African diaspora in the
United States and African communities.
The statement partly read, “The US Mission has a
longstanding commitment to supporting educational institutions and
strengthening an education system that enables students to access quality
education throughout Nigeria.
“One of the U.S. government-sponsored academic exchanges is
the Fulbright program which provides opportunities for Nigerian university
students and faculty members to engage in collaborative research in U.S.
institutions across various academic fields.”
During the event, General Will Stevens, the US Consul,
emphasized the US government's dedication to backing efforts that enhance
access to top-notch higher education and bolster human resources for
comprehensive economic progress and advancement in Nigeria.
Also addressing the audience, Professor Folasade Ogunsola,
the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, characterized the recently
established alliance as a momentous occasion heralding the start of a fresh
chapter in educational cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.