Kenyan High Commissioner Delivers 7th Special Lecture, Emphasizes Strong Nigeria-Kenya Ties
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa.
The Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Parashina delivered the 7th Special Lecture Series at Nasarawa State University (Nsuk), highlighting the strong bilateral relations between Kenya and Nigeria.
This event underscores the commitment of both countries to foster cooperation and strengthen ties.
Kenya and Nigeria, as key players in East and West Africa, respectively, have been exploring ways to enhance their relationship, particularly in areas like trade, security, and education.
Their shared membership in the Commonwealth provides a foundation for collaboration on regional and global issues.
In his lecture titled “Leveraging Education as a Diplomatic Capital: Pathways of Strengthening Nigeria–Kenya Collaborations,” High Commissioner Parashina highlighted the longstanding ties between both nations.
He noted that Nigeria and Kenya share similar aspirations despite geographic separation, and emphasized the role of education in shaping diplomacy, competitiveness and national identity.
He explained that education today functions not only as a tool for economic advancement but as a strategic asset that fosters trust, builds relationships and influences global narratives. According to him, true partnerships must be rooted in humility, respect and shared values.
The High Commissioner identified three pillars central to strengthening bilateral cooperation: South–South educational linkages, institutional partnerships, and resource-driven development strategies.
Addressing broader African challenges such as visa restrictions and insecurity, he stressed the need for deeper continental collaboration. He said meaningful progress depends on African nations learning together and creating their own stories rather than relying on external narratives. He also referenced the strong academic contributions of Nigerian writers and noted the expanding opportunities in both countries’ higher-education sectors.
The Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships and thanked the Kenyan High Commissioner to Mr. Isaac Parashina for accepting to deliver the lecture.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Liman described education as a unifying force capable of shaping economies and strengthening international relations. She said the lecture’s theme aligns with NSUK’s vision for a more connected and knowledge-driven African continent.
“As we gather here today, we celebrate the power of education,” she said, noting that the institution has continued to attract and support students from Kenya and other African countries.
She stressed that education remains central to national development, adding that the university looks forward to deeper collaborations with Kenya. Prof. Liman expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner for honouring the institution with his presence and commended the audience for supporting what she described as an important intellectual engagement.
The lecture chairman, Mr. Akaro Mainoma, described the series as part of NSUK’s strategic efforts under the Vice Chancellor’s leadership, adding that the day’s discussion was designed to engage and enlighten the university community.
The event concluded with the presentation of an award of recognition to the Kenyan High Commissioner by Prof. Liman for his contribution to strengthening academic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
