Nigeria to establish university-based diaspora research centre

Nigeria to establish a research centre on diaspora issues in its quest to more actively engage its citizens living outside their homeland

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has allocated N1billion for the establishment of a diaspora research centre at the University of Ibadan (UI).

Sonny Echono, TETFund executive secretary, in a statement signed by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, said the centre will serve as a scientific hub for teaching and other academic activities related to diaspora and transnational studies.

Echono, who received a delegation of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, its executive chairperson, commended them for their nation-building efforts and advocacy on research.

“The centre is proposed to house a rich collection of African diaspora and transnational studies resources, including textbooks, archival documents, audio and video tapes, online resources, microfilms and other related materials,” Echono said.

“It is as well intended to serve as a flagship scientific hub for teaching, research, and other academic activities related to diaspora and transnational studies.

“The proposal indicates that the proposed facility shall be an incubator for hosting experts, practitioners, and policy professionals with interest and experience in research.

“The University of Ibadan is presently perfecting plans for the signing of the MOU with NiDCOM, which is the collaborating institution that has been interfacing with TETFund on the diaspora centre of excellence project.

On her part, Dabiri-Erewa expressed her admiration for TETFund’s transformative action, noting that the diaspora research centre will be the first of its kind in Africa, with the immense potential of shaping the landscape of research and development on the continent.