By Yahaya Idris, Kogi.
The famous Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation, SAAF, a Non-governmental organization based in Kogi State has sought for collaboration with foreign universities through exchange programmes to improve the educational standards of the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Grand Patron of the foundation, Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, made the call when he led his foundation and United Nations Special Envoy, Philip Africa Bonn Edward Leo to the University community on a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor and management of the institution.
Alhaji Shuaibu Audu said many foreign Universities particularly the Oxford and Cambridge Universities where he and the Special Envoy graduated were willing to collaborate with education stakeholders in Nigeria to offer training in the United Kingdom at a subsidized rate.
He said it was part of the foundation’s commitment to improving on education standards of his people, saying such linkages will not only improve the standards of education in Nigeria but will also give a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the education system in the UK during their programs.
According to him, the education standards in Nigeria can not be compared to what is obtainable in the UK; “We can chart a new course to develop transformational education partnerships with United Kingdom Universities and other reputable institutions, so that other countries will also look up to Nigeria with a particular reference to study in Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Kogi State”.
“We are seeking Programs Exchange collaboration between the Cambridge, Oxford and the Prince Abubakar Audu University Ayingba, Dekina LGA of Kogi State”.
“I am privileged to have graduated from the Oxford University while my friend and the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy, Mr. Philip Bonn Africa Edward, graduated from the Cambridge University.”
“We are here to discuss and see how we can make moves and have a joint curriculum and a joint exchange program towards actualizing the dream of making Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Ayingba, the Best in Nigeria and also be able to compete favorably with other Universities across the globe”
He expressed joy that students of the University are still in the session while their counterparts are on strike, describing the move by the State Government to bring about such development as a show of commitment to the growth and progress of education in the State.
Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu also commended the efforts of University Management at keeping the standard of the University high, calling on them to sustain such standard and improve on it.
On his part, Mr. Philip Africa Bonn Edward Leo, a United Nations Special Envoy, said he was in Nigeria to assist his friend through his foundation to cater to the people Education education, economic empowerment, and the healthcare system.
He said the planned program exchange can be realized, stressing that the dream of making PAAU the best in Nigeria can also be made possible with a commitment to the course.
Mr. Edward commended the Vice-Chancellor, management team, and staff of the Institution for their commitment to ensuring quality education for the students of the citadel of learning.
Speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the Prince Abubakar Audu Univeinithe ty (PAAU) Ayingba, Professor Marietu Tenuche, said the visit of Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu brought alive memories of the the the Former Governor of the State, Late Prince Abubakar Audu who brought the Institution to be.
Professor Tenuche noted that her predecessors have tried their best at bringing to reality, the dream of creating the University, stressing that she has been building and improving on such a pedestal vice-Chancellorumption of Office.
She appreciated AlhThe highlightaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu for his efforts at bringing about collaborative initiative between the Institution and other reputable ones outside the Country, stressing that such will help the Institution to be ranked high in Nigeria.
The VC said the Academic Calendar of PAAU has not been broken in the st five years; courtesy of the current Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bella, describing such efforts as unprofited and a welcomed development in the education sector.
The PAAU Boss called on other well-to-do individuals in the State and Nigeria at large to invest in Education as practiced by the Late Prince Abubakar Audu and now taken over by his son, Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.
Recall, the Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation, SAAF, had embarked on primary and secondary school projects commissioning across the three (3) senatorial districts of Kogi State as part of efforts to complement government efforts at providing social amenities to the citizens of the State.
The highlight of the visit was a confirmation of an Award on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche by the United Special Envoy, Mr. Philip Africa Bonn Edward Leo.Vice-Chancellor.
