The Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute, (including Health and Agriculture), University of Ibadan, has received 110 new postgraduate students under the African Union scholarship scheme.
The orientation ceremony for the new students who were drawn for 45 African countries, held between Thursday and Friday, March 31 and April 1.
At the colourful event, held at the PAULESI New Building Car Park, were officials of PAULESI, UI; the newly admitted postgraduate students; and some officials of the University of Ibadan, the host institution.
The scholarships awarded by the African Union Commission to the 110 postgraduate students were to undertake various courses at the institute.
According to the Director of PAULESI, Prof. Esther Akinlabi, the orientation programme would enable the new students to acclimatize with the academic environment and prepare them fully for their programmes.
The don disclosed that of the 2,838 applicants from 47 African countries that applied for the scholarship, 110, representing 3.87 per cent, were selected.
The aim of the AU is to develop institutions of excellence in science, technology, innovation, social sciences and governance, which would constitute the bedrock for an Africa pool of higher education and research.
In her address on the occasion, Prof. Afolabi stated that the institute, in keeping with the aim of the Assembly of Heads of State of AU, provided quality education intended to drive development across Africa.
The director said that “As you are aware, entrepreneurs are wheels of economic development.
“The Assembly of the Heads of State in Africa would want every student running through Pan African University to have an awareness and be conscious of entrepreneurship as it relates to gender, human rights and African history.”
In an interview on the occasion, she said that in line with its mandate, the institute would equip the new students with the best skills to prepare them for a fulfilled future.
In the cause of the programme, she said that the students would be taken through seminars and workshops on artificial intelligence, waste to wealth and digital marketing among others.
She advised the new students to represent their countries well as good ambassadors and be diligent and courageous.
Akinlabi said that the Assembly of the Heads of State in Africa would want every student running through Pan African University to have entrepreneurship or vocational education as it relates to gender, human rights and African history.
Eneles Nsamila, one of the students from Malawi, expressed enthusiasm that the programme would go a long way in adding value to the participants, their various countries and Africa as a whole.
