AFIT AND U.S. EMBASSY EXPLORE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ON EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, has hosted a delegation from the Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy to discuss new avenues for academic collaboration, research, and professional development. The visit was aimed at exploringopportunities for stronger educational and professional collaborations in areas of academic research and professional development. Additionally, it was to encourage pursuit of knowledge as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the United States Mission in Nigeria and tertiary institutions in the country.
Speaking during the engagement, the team leader Raisa Dukas highlighted the importance of connecting Nigerian students with credible information and opportunities for postgraduate education in the United States. According to her, establishing American Spaces, would promote mutual understanding between the United States and the people of Nigeria in about 24 Cities. These centres will provide free access to books, digital resources, and information about UnitedState government, history, culture, and education systems to promote mutual understanding.
Furthermore, she explained that through Education USA, prospective students can access guidance and resources to help them navigate the process of identifying suitable programmes and pursuing further studies in the United States. She made mention of the Fulbright scholarship scheme which enables outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in various programmes to study in multiple tertiary institutions in the States.
During the interactive session at the Ibrahim Alfa Auditorium, Raisa stated that the collaboration would provide a glimpse into possibilities beyond the classroom opportunities. She also mentioned that this development would aid the pursuit of higher degrees, develop professional networks and access to global knowledge that could strengthen their contribution to Nigeria’s technological and aerospace development.
In his remarks, the AFIT Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, expressed appreciation to the United StateEmbassy for selecting AFIT for the initiative. He noted that such partnerships align with the Institute’s mandate of producing highly skilled manpower in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Also speaking, the AFIT Provost, Professor AuwalKasim, appreciated the United States Embassy for expanding their collaboration to AFIT, adding that the initiative is important to academic growth, supporting research and capacity development.He noted that the partnership reinforces AFIT’s commitment to global engagement and positions the Institute to leverage international resources in advancing Nigeria’s defence and technological capabilities.
Members of the U.S. Embassy team included the Public Diplomacy Officer, Raisa Dukas; the American Center Director, Grace Lamon and Youth Engagement Specialist, Adediran Adegoke.
The engagement ended with an interactive session where AFIT students and staff asked questions on scholarships, application processes, and research exchange opportunities.