The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, have agreed to collaborate on diplomatic training, policy research and capacity building as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign service and align the country’s foreign policy with national development priorities.
Key Highlights
- The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, have agreed to collaborate on diplomatic training, policy research and capacity building.
- The partnership aims to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign service and align foreign policy with national development priorities.
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, announced the collaboration during a courtesy visit by the university’s management.
- The partnership will focus on:
- Diplomatic training.
- Policy research.
- Migration management.
- Capacity building.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, announced the partnership on Thursday, August 6, in Abuja, while receiving the management of the university, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, during a courtesy visit.
A statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the collaboration will focus on diplomatic training, policy research, migration management, capacity building and the promotion of ECOWAS awareness among students.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s foreign policy must remain people-centred and support the Tinubu administration’s 4Ds foreign policy framework of doctrine of demography, development, democracy and diaspora.
“Foreign policy must be centred on the Nigerian people and must deliver tangible outcomes in prosperity, job creation, security and overall well-being,” the minister said.
He added that democracy and security should serve as instruments for improving citizens’ standard of living, stressing that diplomacy must produce measurable benefits for Nigerians.
The minister also emphasised the need to strengthen the ministry’s human resource capacity through continuous training, retraining and research to build a professional foreign service capable of responding to evolving global realities.
As part of the proposed partnership, Enikanolaiye said both institutions would collaborate on mid-career training programmes, the revitalisation of the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy, policy research to support evidence-based decision-making, the promotion of safe and managed migration, and the establishment of ECOWAS Clubs in tertiary institutions to deepen students’ understanding of regional integration.
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He further directed relevant directors in the ministry to develop modalities for regular engagements between the university and ambassadors as well as high commissioners accredited to Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the university, Prof. Fawehinmi said the institution is well positioned to support the ministry’s strategic objectives.
The vice-chancellor identified the university’s directorate of foreign studies and foreign languages and its centre for migration and security studies as key platforms for cooperation in staff and student exchanges, educational and cultural programmes, as well as postgraduate professional training for officials of the ministry and members of the diplomatic corps.
He also sought the ministry’s support in convening a forum that would bring together ambassadors and high commissioners to explore opportunities for collaboration with the university.
Both parties agreed to establish a joint working team to develop the framework for implementing the agreed areas of cooperation, with the ministry reaffirming its commitment to partnering with academic institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity, enhance policy development and improve the country’s global standing.
