Abia varsity, Oxford sign MOU on Research, Programmes

FORMER Senate President and the Pro-chancellor of Abia State University, Senator Adolphus Wabara, said on Wednesday that the state-owned University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on research with the UK based Oxford University.

Wabara, in a chat in Abuja said that the tertiary institution will soon replicate research programmes that will be tailored after model of the prestigious Oxford University.

“I enjoyed my experience at the Oxford University and learnt a lot about proven cutting-edge research grant process and procedures. I am delighted to be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Centre of Excellence in Education. This will open up greater opportunities for capacity building and collaborative research at Abia State University.

“It was a delight to meet leaders of Commonwealth, who are keen to support Abia State University in research, capacity building and ICT,” Wabara said.

The former Senate President also stated that Abia state University will also kick start moves to attract research grants and funding from European, American and other international institutions, such as the Commonwealth, the United Nations (UN) and other partners.

According to him, talented students of the university, will get opportunities for vocational trainings which he said will enable them turn out as creators of employment opportunities after graduation.

He said of his recent visit to Oxford: “We extensively discussed during the visit and we discussed how Abia State University can partake in a range of technological, educational, economic and scientific activities, including, but not limited to capacity building in generating external income through research and consultancy.

“Knowledge transfer activities that will accelerate the development of Abia State University, Nigeria until Abia State University becomes the centre of academic excellence in Africa.”