By Maryam Abeeb
In an effort to perfect plans for diaspora exploits and the commitment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to fund Education Centres and facilities for the Nigerians in diaspora to foster knowledge exchange, fellowship, research, and transnational projects; the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund; Arc. Sonny Echono on the implementation plan for the successful execution of the Diaspora Research Centre for Development project.
Recall that Echono in August 2022 disclosed plans to partner with NIDCOM on promoting domestication of modern research and innovation techniques, and gave assurance that TETFund will be making conscious policy to support diaspora engagements for national development.
The Chairman of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri, disclosed that TETFund followed-through with the commitment by earmarking 1 billion naira for the establishment of Diaspora Research Centre in University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions.
The NIDCOM Boss while expressing her admiration for TETFund’s transformative action noted that the Diaspora Research Centre will be the first of its kind in Africa with immense potential to shape the landscape of research and development in the continent. She intimated the management of TETFund that NIDCOM is in contact with University of Ibadan, where the Diaspora Research Centre is to be sited to discuss groundwork, models and implementation plans on the completion of the project.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono who received the delegation of NIDCOM, ably led by their Chairman commended the Commission for their nation building efforts, and advocacy for collaboration on research. According to the TETFund Boss, the Diaspora Research Centre to be domiciled in University of Ibadan followed the recommendation of NIDCOM.
The Executive Secretary added that an allocation of 1 Billion Naira was provided in the Fund’s 2023 budgetary allocation under the Special Intervention Initiative of the Fund for the establishment of Diaspora Center for Research and Development.
He hinted that the allocation letter has been given to University of Ibadan in May, 2023, with recommendation that the Institution submits implementation plan for effective take-off of activities.
While re-emphasizing TETFund efforts and commitment to research and development, Echono announced that an additional sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira was also allocated to the University of Ibadan under the 2023 budgetary allocation (Designated Projects) as a fund assistance for Global Research Centre at the institution.
