The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), have struck a deal to ensure the operation of diaspora research centre in the country operates seamlessly.
A statement signed by TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, obtained by Blueprint said TETFund followed-through with the commitment by earmarking One billion naira for the establishment of Diaspora Research Centre at the University of Ibadan.
The development is in line with TETFund’s plan for diaspora exploits by funding education centres and facilities for the Nigerians in diaspora to foster knowledge exchange, fellowship, research and transnational projects.
Oniyangi said Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri Erewa, disclosed this when she paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund Sonny Echono, in Abuja.
Echono, in August 2022, disclosed plans to partner with NIDCOM on promoting domestication of modern research and innovation techniques, and gave assurance that TETFund would be making a conscious policy to support diaspora engagements for national development.
The NIDCOM boss while expressing her admiration for TETFund’s transformative action noted that the Diaspora Research Centre will be the first of its kind in Africa with immense potential to shape the landscape of research and development in the continent. She intimated the management of TETFund that NIDCOM is in contact with University of Ibadan, where the Diaspora Research Centre is to be sited to discuss groundwork, models and implementation plans on the completion of the project.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, who received the delegation of NIDCOM, commended the Commission for their nation building efforts, and advocacy for collaboration on research.
Echono said the Diaspora Research Centre to be domiciled at the University of Ibadan followed the recommendation of NIDCOM.
