Reflections as France Ambassador to Nigeria Visits Augustine University, Ilara

By_ Babatunde Kaka

• “…this is a great opportunity for the embassy to serve as a point of linkage between AUI and these universities, through exchange programs in the areas of research and culture of both staff and students” – AUI Vice Chancellor, Prof Chris Odetunde.

Members of staff and students of Augustine University, Ilara (AUI), yesterday 30th June 2021, played host to France Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jerome Pasquier, on their main campus in Ilara, Eredo LCDA, Lagos State.

The visit, as gathered by Eko Hot Blog, was part of the itinerary of the Diplomat before proceeding to the famous monument site, Sungbo Eredo.

Speaking in his address in the company of his management team, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Christopher Odetunde, described the visit as a landmark event as the Diplomat became the most high-profile individual to visit the model citadel of learning.

Prof Odetunde, who assumed office nine months ago told the Diplomat that the school is owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. He further stated that the visit has presented the university, which has all the potentials to compete with the best tertiary institutions in the country, the platform to establish a significant relationship with a European country known for its global best practices in education.

“Being a catholic university in Nigeria with the millions of Catholic faithful in France, as well as well-established Catholic universities there, this is a great opportunity for the embassy to serve as a point of linkage between AUI and these universities, through exchange programs in the areas of research and culture of both staff and students.”

“The Sungbo-Eredo is a living example of such collaboration. These programs will go a long way in enhancing the learning curve for staff and students from both countries; the synergy will also position AUI as a research hub as well,” the Professor stated.

Reacting, Ambassador Pasquier applauded Professor Gerard Chuoin for a job well done on the Sungbo-Eredo monument project, noting that the embassy is weighing up modalities to establish a French University in Nigeria.

The Diplomat also highlighted the significance of showing to the world that Africa has a life-long history and culture pre-dating the colonial era.

Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, in his remarks, hailed the management team of the AUI for its efforts towards placing the institution on the global map. He likened the higher institution of learning to the first industry in the Ilara kingdom cherished by all sons and daughters of the community.

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Oba Ogunsanwo also noted that there are other discoveries in the Ilara kingdom apart from the Sungbo-Eredo monument. These include education, agriculture and a vast serene environment.

The management team of the university presented the Diplomat with agricultural products produced from the institution which include smoked fish, garri and a pack of table water.