Head of the European Union delegation to Nigeria and West Africa and Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria have hailed the commencement of European studies at the Nasarawa state University Keffi (NSUK).
They applauded the move at the 5th University Special Lecture Series and induction of the first set of students of the Bruno Holyst Institute of European Studies, NSUK in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on Thursday.
Our reporter gathered that both Amb. Gautier Mignot, Head of the European delegation to Nigeria and West Africa and Amb. Michal Cygan, Polish ambassador to Nigeria spoke glowingly about the growing partnership between Europe and Africa through academic and developmental cooperation.
Mignot who delivered the paper “The European Union, a reliable partner for Nigeria and the world” focused on the values guiding the European Union and the strategic partnership it has with Africa.
“Because of the proximity, whatever affects Africa impacts the European Union and so also whatever affects the European Union also impacts Africa. So the relationship between the European Union and Africa is very important and strategic,” he said.
He then celebrated the commencement of academic activities at the Bruno Holyst Institute of European studies which he said will help foster better understanding of European culture and values to Africans.
In his own remarks, Cygan, Polish ambassador to Nigeria also applauded the university’s drive towards training students on European culture and pledged Poland’s ongoing support for the university’s efforts.
Cygan who emphasized that the European Union are not out to exploit Africa but to establish mutual beneficial relationship with Africa also assured the university management that his country will go further to strengthen the academic relationship it has with the university.
“Many of your students are in Poland studying on scholarships. I want to assure you that we will continue to sustain this initiative,” he said.
In her welcome address, Professor Saadatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of the university described the induction of the first set of students of the Bruno Holyst Institute of European studies as a historic moment and an exciting chapter in the university’s history.
“The Brunon Holyst Institute of European Studies represents our commitment to strengthening ties with Europe, particularly in fostering understanding of European governance, culture, economics, and addressing the shared challenges that connect Europe and Africa.
“The institute is poised to become a regional knowledge hub, enhancing research, fostering dialogue and creating a space for academic exchange and cooperation between Europe and Africa,” she said.
She added that the university’s collaboration with the European Union and its member states has long been a cornerstone of the university’s internationalization strategy.
“We have established fruitful relationships with European institutions, particularly those in Poland and the Netherlands, and these partnerships have provided us with valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building and academic growth,” she said.
She further explained that through the institute, the university aims to build a bridge between Europe and West Africa, offering students the opportunity to engage deeply with European studies, explore global issues and contribute to solving the challenges facing both regions.
“By providing a space for interdisciplinary research, policy development, and academic exchange, we hope to strengthen the capacity of our students to address the pressing issues that shape both Europe and Africa.
“In the coming years, the Bruno Holyst institute will not only serve as a beacon of knowledge for our students but also as a key player in the broader academic landscape where knowledge and expertise on European matters will have a lasting impact on the socio-political and economic growth of west Africa.
“As we celebrate the induction of the first set of students of the Bruno Holyst Institute of European Studies, I am filled with hope on what the future holds. This moment represents the beginning of a new era for Nasarawa state university and for the EU-Nigeria partnership,” she said.
Our reporter gathered that the event concluded with the formal induction of the pioneer students into the Bruno Holyst Institute of European Studies, conducted by the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Maikano Ari. END