US Consulate, FUTA to deepen collaboration on research

The Public Affairs Officer of United States Consulate-General, Lagos, Darcy Zotter, has signified the readiness of the consulate to partner with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on academic, exchange and research related programmes.

Zotter stated this during a working visit to the university.

She said due to FUTA’s pedigree in research and related activities, which recently culminated in the award of the 2017/2018 Fulbright Senior Research Scholarship to Dr (Mrs.) Folasade Olajuyigbe of FUTA’s Department of Biochemistry, the consulate would want a strengthened relationship with FUTA.

She also encouraged FUTA staff and students to participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, saying it would be an opportunity for FUTA students and middle-level academic and non-academic staff to broaden their horizon and tap into cutting edge fellowship that would advance their careers.

Responding, the vice chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape, commended the efforts of the consulate at ensuring the advancement of academic and research-related activities of the university.

Professor Fuwape said FUTA had institutionalised international collaborations going by extant working relationships with some key global universities and institutions.

He told his guests that the fifth batch of FUTA students recently departed for the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), USA, to complete their studies in fulfillment of the collaboration between both institutions.

He also emphasised that FUTA would continue to welcome collaborations in its areas of core competence, stressing that the partnership with the consulate would be a win-win situation for FUTA and the consulate.

Professor Fuwape also commended Dr (Mrs.) Folasade Olajuyigbe, the Fulbright Senior Research Scholar, for her contributions to the deepening of the university’s global rating, and also encouraged staff and students to take a cue from her.