NiDCOM, Tedfund partner on Diaspora Research for Development
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Tertiary Education
Trust Fund (Tetfund) has reached an agreement towards Research for Diaspora Management in Nigeria.
This was one of the highlights of the meeting between a delegation from
NiDCOM, led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO and the
Executive Secretary Tetfund, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, to brainstorm
and bridge a gap on Research for Diaspora Management in Nigeria.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa explained during the meeting that the Commission
is collaborating with the University of Ibadan (UI) to build a Diaspora
Research for Development Centre at the Premier University.
Dabiri-Erewa added that the project, which is a 10-year plan, aimed at
looking at the impact of the Nigerian Diaspora on the global front.
She said that the Centre will build capacity to train the academia and
produce numerous academic resources in Diaspora and Migration studies.
The NiDCOM CEO is positive that the outcome of the Centre will implement
favourable policies for economic and political growth in the country,
and Africa.
The NiDCOM Boss also said there is need to resuscitate Linkages with
Experts and Academics in the Diaspora Scheme (LEADS), an exchange
programme for Nigerian Diasporas in the Academia to lecture students in
Nigeria during sabbaticals.
In his response, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro said that the Trust Fund is
always eager to partner with organisations, as well as, collaborate in
areas concerning research.
He stated that Tetfund over the years have made it a mandate to uplift
the standard of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, to globally
competitive levels, in various means necessary.
He expressed his dismay at the constant exodus of Nigeria’s best brains
leaving the country for greener pastures.
He, however , expressed optimism that the Commission and Tetfund will
address and harmonise the issues.
Bogoro stressed that research is a paramount tool in properly
structuring the socio-economic terrain of the nation, to encourage
Nigerians abroad and actively key into the affairs of the country for
national growth.
The Tetfund Executive Secretary who said that the body looks forward to
partnering with the Commission, noted that if possible, a ‘residual’
budget, from the 2022 budget may be allocated by the Fund to support the
project.
On the LEADS programme, Prof. Bogoro stated that a document on that
regard, be submitted for review and consideration.
At the end of the meeting, both parties decided to set up a Technical
Committee for the project.
(NiDCOM Media)
