Georgia Varsity, Ajayi Crowther Varsity to Begin Collaboration Soon

The University of Georgia, Athens (UGA), the United States and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Town, have expressed willingness to collaborate in order to enhance the capacity of their faculty members, students and administrators.

Dr. Ibigbolade Aderibigbe, a Professor of Religion and Associate Director of African Studies institute at the University of Georgia and the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Prof. Timothy Adebayo, disclosed this during the annual lecture organised by the Faculty of Humanities of ACU.

The lecture which had the theme: “Institutional Academic Collaboration in the 2st century: The Dynamics of Challenges and Prospects”, took place at Alakija Auditorium of the University.

They stressed the need for Nigerian universities to collaborate with their counterparts in other parts of the world in order to discharge their core mandates to the society

Prof. Aderibigbe pointed out that for any institution to make marks and impact in the 21st Century, collaboration is very important.

The Georgia University don said: “With the contemporary nature of globalization, it has become virtually impossible for academic institutions to ignore the urgent need to be part of the global village mentality if the goals and missions for which they are established are to be achieved. Indeed, it would be precarious for them not to take advantage offered by such a collaborative globalization. Indeed, I dare say that it is imperative, if institutions seek to be competitive in the educational strategies that would uniquely place the quality and acceptance of the standard of teaching , research and learning epitomized by faculty , students and administrators.

“I believe any institution worth its salt and want to be taken seriously in the 21st century and beyond, cannot fail to be part of this movement.

“I sincerely hope that the collaboration between ACU and UGA will target and advance this very important segment of the collaboration. After all , universities exist primarily for the student publication.

“My ultimate goal , therefore , is to ensure that the envisaged collaboration, when it eventually takes off will be beneficial to the composite segments of the institutions”.

He added that collaboration between UGA will be beneficial to ACU.

The VC, Prof. Adebayo, said the collaboration is imperative in order to enhance the discharge of the fundamental functions of universities.

He disclosed that the day signified the beginning of the MOU between University of Georgia and Ajayi Crowther University, saying the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration.

The VC said: “We need collaboration because you cannot do it alone as higher institutions. You need to see what others are doing. Locally, nationally and globally. When you look at them, then you can compare notes. With that you will be able to move along with the tide of things.

“It is going to be a marvelous thing. By the time we sign the mou very soon. We have the hope and the opportunity.
University wide for students, lecturers and the whole of the University. The lecturers will have the opportunity to travel from ACu to UGA. Their faculties can also come down to ACU. It is an exchange of students”.

The Dean of Faculty of Humanities of the institution, Most Rev. Prof. George Lasebikan is to open up massive opportunities for the University.

The new Deputy VC, Prof. Olumuyiwa Popoola, was present at the event, which was his first official outing.