Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, has hosted a delegation from the Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy in Nigeria to explore new opportunities for academic collaboration, research and professional development.
The engagement, held at the Ibrahim Alfa Auditorium, was aimed at strengthening educational and professional ties between the United States Mission in Nigeria and Nigerian tertiary institutions, while creating opportunities for students and academics to access global knowledge and further their education.
Speaking during the engagement, the team leader, Raisa Dukas, stressed the importance of connecting Nigerian students with credible information and opportunities for postgraduate studies in the United States.
Dukas said the establishment of American Spaces in about 24 cities across Nigeria would promote mutual understanding between the United States and Nigerians, while providing free access to books, digital resources and information on American government, history, culture and education.
She also explained that through EducationUSA, prospective students could obtain guidance and resources to identify suitable programmes and navigate the process of pursuing further studies in the United States.
According to her, the Fulbright scholarship programme also provides opportunities for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to pursue studies in various tertiary institutions in the United States.
Dukas said the collaboration would expose AFIT students and staff to opportunities beyond the classroom, including higher degrees, professional networking and access to global knowledge that could enhance 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 States Embassy for selecting the institute for the initiative.
He said the partnership aligned with AFIT’s mandate of producing highly skilled manpower in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Also speaking, the AFIT Provost, Professor Auwal Kasim, commended the United States Embassy for extending the collaboration to the institute, describing the initiative as important to academic growth, research and capacity development.
Kasim said the partnership reinforced AFIT’s commitment to global engagement and would enable the institute to leverage international resources and expertise in advancing Nigeria’s defence and technological capabilities.
Other members of the US Embassy delegation were the American Center Director, Grace Lamon, and Youth Engagement Specialist, Adediran Adegoke.
The engagement ended with an interactive session during which AFIT staff sought clarification on scholarship opportunities, application procedures and research exchange programmes.
