From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
The Lagos State University (LASU) and Triune Biblical University (TBU) Global Extension, Brooklyn, New York, USA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the teaching of General Nigerian Studies (GNS).
The event took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU, Ojo Campus on Thursday, May 6, 2021.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oyedamola Oke, thanked TBU for partnering with LASU, the Second Best University in Nigeria. He assured that LASU will certainly give their best that can be regarded as international standard.
According to the Director, Centre for General Nigerian Studies, Lagos State University, Prof. Biodun Akinpelu, who spoke at the signing ceremony said that the current global pandemic, Covid-19, has brought the world closer to reality, not only about the Global Village concept in its general interpretation as it affects almost all facets of life, but has equally given a more realistic view of the concept of Classroom Without Walls.
“Today, we are gathered to celebrate an educational handshake between Countries. The Triune Biblical University Global Extension USA that has made its presence felt in a number of States in America, Europe and some Countries in Africa has extended its instructional content interest to Nigeria through the Lagos State University, LASU, and specifically the Centre for General Nigerian Studies of the University. This is a priority that is indeed well placed, as LASU has proved itself over the years as a leading University, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa. Our Human Capital and Teaching-Learning infrastructure stand us out in the competitive Knowledge Industr,” Akinpelu stated.
Dr Maurice Azubuike Odote, Africa Representative & Director of Studies, TBU, said the group is in over 12 countries in Africa, including Benin Republic, Togo, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, among others.
He revealed “By the time we came to the Lagos State University (LASU) we found out the facilities that they have since we lack the facilities. So the needed to associate with LASU and the use of their facilities became inevitable. We are very happy today that we have succeeded in achieving that goal. We believe with this success we are going to reach out to the entire Africa, especially here in Nigeria, because our goal has been to see that we provide mass education to Nigerian citizens.”
Speaking further on mass education and how to reach those in the rural areas, he said, “What we have succeeded in doing, we have been able to hold convocation, matriculation ceremonies in Lagos State University, and we have been able to produce over 600 matriculants and graduants on those two occasions. So we have been able to set up some study centres not just within one terrain. In Lagos State for example we have about 12 study centres, we have in other states like Osun State, we have in Abuja, we have in Ogun State; we are also trying to reach out to other states. And with the facility of Lagos State, the online platform, I think we should be able to reach out to more states.
He said the Covid was a blessing in disguise, “During the covid era, we found out that almost all the Nigerian universities were locked down, but we were in the system, we were able to complete our session in spite the covid, we have to use our software. The students were at home but they were learning and by November last year we had our convocation. So people didn’t believe it, but we were there. So the online system is something the Nigerian education ministry i.e. the ministry of education should think towards that end. And the NUC should also think towards that direction because the problem in Nigeria is the old attitude, believing that the old school days is still relevant, this is a new society; it is a new era,” Odote stated.
