Namibian Envoy Explores Academic Partnership with UNILAG

By Charles Maduka

The Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, visited the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on Friday, 16 August 2024, seeking closer cooperation between the educational institutions of both countries.

Mr. Geiseb was welcomed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office on the 11th floor of the Senate Building. During the visit, he expressed his desire to foster stronger ties with UNILAG, emphasising the benefits of mutual learning.

In his words, “Compared to the two public universities we have in Namibia, the University of Lagos is bigger in number, size, and institutional history. You are more accomplished in terms of international exposure and experience, and we will be glad to learn from you. You are the obvious leaders here, and it will be our delight to follow you closely.”

Professor Oboh extended the warm greetings of the Vice-Chancellor, welcoming the idea of collaboration. She highlighted UNILAG’s commitment to South-South cooperation and expressed the university’s readiness to partner with the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology in various areas.

“Here at the University of Lagos, we are very much interested in South-South cooperation, and we will do our best to see to the fruition of this proposed collaboration. Since our initial contact in 2019, there has been a lull, but we are now ready to fast-track things with our Office of International Relations, Prospects, and Partnerships. In terms of training, research, and faculty and student exchange, there are a number of things that we can do together and for each other. We are very willing,” she said.

DVC Oboh used the opportunity of Mr. Geiseb’s visit to invite him and the two Namibian universities to the upcoming International Week at the University of Lagos, which is scheduled for October 2024.

Both leaders discussed other areas of mutual interest between their respective countries, highlighting the possibility of cultural exchanges. According to the High Commissioner, “There is so much that we do not see of each other’s culture.”