From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Arrangements are being concluded between Coal City University (CCU), Enugu and Delaware State University (DSU), United States of America, that will see to students of both institutions studying in the two varsities on exchange programme.
Vice President of Delaware State University, Division of Strategic Excellent Management, Mr Antonio Boyle, who visited Coal City University with other officials, said they are satisfied with the educational facilities on ground at the Enugu-based varsity, stating that CCU would serve as their operational base for Nigerian students and the rest of African countries.
He said officials of CCU will reciprocate the visit next month after which he will come back with his boss to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange programme, expected to take off before the end of the year.
On his part, Chancellor of CCU, Sir Chinedu Ani, said he has been thinking ‘out of the box’ to initiate strategies that will improve standard of higher education in Nigeria vis-à-vis Africa to boost the employability status of graduates.
One of the expected areas of collaboration between the two varsities is that students from CCU who will cross over to Delaware State University will be able to secure temporary appointment in factories or companies to gain practical experience on course of study.
Others include student exchange programmes, joint conferences, workshops and research, establishment of teaching and learning centre for staff development.
Also speaking on the joint venture, Coal City University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Emeka Igwe, allayed fears that the deal would skyrocket fees paid in the institution, stating that the management has worked out modalities whereby the fees are subsidized for students passing through the programme.
He affirmed that practical studying experience is also guaranteed for students that move over to complete their course of study at Delaware State University while on graduation they will be given degree certificate of both universities.
