AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Jean-François Hasperue, the Chargé d’Affaire at the French Embassy in Abuja, has expressed excitement over his visit to the University of Ibadan as the Institut Français Recherché en Afrique, IFRA renews its collaboration with the Institute of African Studies in UI.
Hasperue, who resumed duties at the French Embassy in Abuja five months ago, said he first heard of UI as a Centre of Excellence while in East Africa and had since looked forward to visiting.
During a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the official said he was very happy when the opportunity came for him to represent the French ambassador at UI.
According to Hasperue who came to renew the Memorandum of Understanding between UI and the French Government on IFRA, the over 30 years partnership had been mutually beneficial.
He said the focus of the Institute was research as it is one of the tools to better understand the relationship between Africa and Europe.
He stated that the French Embassy would reinforce exchange in research and scientific collaboration.
In addition, he disclosed that a new project that includes fabrication laboratories, exchange and training of more researchers, and the award of more scholarships would soon be embarked upon.
He commended the IFRA for a job well done, adding that the French Embassy cares about the relationship with the University of Ibadan.
Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, UI while receiving the French team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, stated that UI had gained a lot from the partnership with IFRA over the past 30 years.
Baiyeroju stressed that UI cherishes its being able to keep the Nigerian heritage, thus becoming a repository of knowledge and culture.
IFRA Nigeria is one of the 27 public research institutes under the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based overseas.
