By Salisu Sani-Idris

The University of Parakou, Republic of Benin, has expressed readiness to strengthen partnerships with Nigerian tertiary institutions in vocational training, waste recycling and agriculture.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bertrand Bocco, stated this during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Amb. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, at Nigeria House, Cotonou.

A statement issued on the visit by the ambassador was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the statement Bocco said the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Benin provided a solid foundation for expanding cooperation, particularly in the education sector.

He said the university operated five specialised centres aimed at promoting institutional partnerships, knowledge sharing and practical skills development.

The vice-chancellor recalled the existing partnership between the University of Parakou and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, established in 2009.

He, however, called for an expansion of the collaboration to accommodate more Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Responding, Adeola-Ibrahim welcomed the initiative and commended the university for its commitment to strengthening educational cooperation between both countries.

She said the historical, cultural and geographical ties between Nigeria and Benin had continued to foster strong people-to-people relations and cooperation.

The ambassador described educational exchanges and institutional partnerships as vital instruments for strengthening bilateral relations.

She noted that the presence of Nigerian students in government-accredited tertiary institutions in Benin demonstrated the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Adeola-Ibrahim also welcomed the university’s proposal to expand collaboration with Nigerian institutions.

She said partnerships in vocational training, waste recycling and agriculture would promote skills acquisition, research, innovation and socioeconomic development.

The ambassador urged the institution to explore additional opportunities for academic and technical cooperation with Nigerian universities and specialised institutions.

She also commended the University of Parakou for its standing as the second public university in the Republic of Benin.

Adeola-Ibrahim urged the university’s management to sustain efforts towards improving students’ welfare and academic development, including those of Nigerian students.

She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to facilitating engagements between the University of Parakou and relevant Nigerian institutions.

According to her, such engagements would promote mutually beneficial partnerships and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

She said the collaborations would further deepen existing relations between Nigeria and Benin, particularly in the education sector. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi