Monarch, VC Solicit French Govt’s Collaboration for Exchange Programmes, Culture at Augustine Varsity

By Sunday Ehigiator

The Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University (AUI), Ilara, Lagos State, Prof. Christopher Odetunde has called on the French Government through its Nigerian Embassy, for a collaboration between his institution and French universities in the areas of exchange of programmes, research and culture.

He said this when the French Ambassador to Nigeria/ECOWAS, Mr. Jerome Pasquier paid a courtesy visit to the institution in Ilara-Epe last week.

According to the vice-chancellor, the synergy would be a great opportunity for the embassy to serve as a point of linkage between AUI and these universities. He added that the visit has presented the university, which has all the potential to compete with the best tertiary institutions in the country, the platform to establish a significant relationship with a European country known for its best practices in education.

Odetunde, who assumed office nine months ago, said he is delighted and honoured by the envoy’s visit, which is a landmark event, being the first ambassador or top envoy from any embassy to personally visit the campus.

“Augustine University is a Catholic University, owned by the people of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and being a young, growing university, it must be a divine plan that you find yourself on our pristine and serene campus today.

“AUI though young, is fast becoming a world-class university in her outlook and educational character and she has all it takes to rub shoulders with the best universities in the world. Your coming is an opportunity for the university to establish a relationship with the people of France and her educators.”

Odetunde said Augustine University being a Catholic University in Nigeria with the millions of Catholic faithfuls in France, as well as well-established Catholic universities there, the ambassador’s visit is an opportunity for the embassy to serve as a point of linkage between AUI and these universities, through exchange programmes in the area of research and culture for both staff and students.

Commending the French government on her support for the Sugbon-Eredo Heritage, a monument site which dates back to 13th century, Odetunde said it is a living example of collaboration between both countries as such programmes will go a long way in enhancing the learning curve for staff and students from both countries; the synergy he added will also position AUI as a research hub.

“We hope that your coming today will mark the beginning of an impactful relationship between our university and the French Embassy. As stated earlier, the university is growing slowly, but steadily as we hope to embark on projects that will continue to put AUI in the spotlight and make her the university of choice for prospective national and international students,” he added.

Odetunde also presented some of the products produced by the institution such as garri, smoked fish and bottled water to Pasquier.

In his brief remarks, Amb. Pasquier commended the management of the institution for the warm welcome given to him and his entourage. While extolling the young citadel of learning, he said education is very important and top priority not only in Nigeria, but globally.
He assured the management of his country’s support that when the COVID has subsided they will look for a way to establish a relationship between AUI and French universities. “There are universities that have been in existence for decades in Nigeria but we want to see if we can achieve a collaboration between your university and the French universities in France.”

On the ongoing Sugbon-Eredo Heritage projects being supported by both the French and US Governments, Pasquier thanked Odetunde and his management team for the support given to the drivers of the project, Prof. Gerard Chouin and Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan.

The envoy emphasized the significance the Sugbon Eredo Monument, which is an attestation to the world that Africa has a life-long history and culture pre-dating the colonial era.

In his remarks, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo extolled the virtues of the management team of the university for its efforts towards placing the institution on the global map. “We are delighted to be here today where history is being made. Since this domain’s existence, this is the first time an ambassador will be visiting Ilara-Epe and also the university.

“Augustine University is a great citadel of learning. This is our first industry that we have in Ilara-Epe. And we will ensure that we support the institution. Ilara is not about Sugbon-Eredo heritage, but about agriculture, fishing and farming. As you can see that the environment is peaceful, serene and welcoming. We want French investors to come and invest here in Ilara-Epe, to establish a bilateral relationship with the French government.”

Oba Ogunsanwo promised to support any investor that is interested in investing in Ilara.

While acknowledging the farm products produced by the students, he thanked the management of the university for making the university great with various innovations, an attestation that doors are open for any development that can push the community forward.