TETFund grants N1b for diaspora and transnational studies
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A Diaspora Research Centre has been established at the University of Ibadan (UI) backed by a N1 billion funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The two agencies said it is part of plans to fund education centres and facilities for Diaspora Nigerians to foster knowledge exchange, fellowship, research, and transnational projects.
“TETFund followed through with the commitment by earmarking N1 billion for the establishment of Diaspora Research Centre in University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions,” NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa explained in the statement.
“The Diaspora Research Centre will be the first of its kind in Africa with immense potential to shape the landscape of research and development on the continent.”
She said TETFund and NIDCOM are in contact with UI to discuss the groundwork, models, and implementation of the project.
TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono applauded NIDCOM for its nation-building efforts and advocacy for collaboration on research, disclosing NIDCOM recommended the Diaspora Research Centre to be located at UI.
“An allocation of N1 billion was provided in TETFund’s 2023 budgetary allocation under the Special Intervention Initiative of the Fund for the establishment of Diaspora Center for Research and Development,” he said.
“The allocation letter was given to the University of Ibadan in May 2023, with a recommendation that the Institution submits implementation plan for the effective take-off of activities.”
Echono emphasised the commitment of TETFund to research and development, saying the grant was allocated from its 2023 budget (Designated Projects) as fund assistance for a Global Research Centre at UI.
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Purpose of research centre
“The Centre is proposed to house a rich collection of African Diaspora and Transnational Studies resources, including textbooks, archival documents, audio and video tapes, online resources, microfilms and other related materials,” Echono added, per The PUNCH.
“It is as well intended to serve as a flagship scientific hub for teaching, research, and other academic activities related to diaspora and transnational studies.
“The proposal indicates that the proposed facility shall be an incubator for hosting experts, practitioners, and policy professionals with interest and experience in research, including hosting fellowship and exchange programmes to produce truly globally impactful diaspora and transnational knowledge.”
Echono expressed optimism the centre will drive collaborations and interface sessions with local and foreign policy formulating institutions.
“The University of Ibadan is presently perfecting plans for signing of the MOU with NIDCOM, which is the collaborating institution that has been interfacing with TETFund on Diaspora Centre of Excellence project together with NIDCOM.
“The university has also initiated the search for a TETFund-accredited firm to set about the design of the structure in conformity with the value of the awarded grant while interfacing with the University of Ibadan.”