New International Partners in Africa at FSU Expand Opportunities for Students and Faculty
As part of its efforts to produce graduates with global perspective, FSU recently expanded its international partnership base with several higher educational institutions in Africa, including University of Western Cape in South Africa, University of Abuja and Covenant University in Nigeria, University of Dar es Salaam, and the Institute for Social Work in Tanzania, with approved Memoranda of Agreement for Faculty/Student Exchange and Study-Abroad Programs.
In meeting its commitment to global citizenry for its students, FSU sponsored three students from diverse disciplines for a 3-week study-abroad program at Covenant University in Nigeria this summer. The students are Fidelis Atabong, a senior in Chemistry and History; Molly Williams, a graduate student in Social Work; and Mathew Chandler, a junior in Biology. The students were accompanied by Dr. Daniel Okunbor, Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Computer Science.
Students were immersed with the language, culture and history of Africa, Nigeria and the Yoruba people. In addition to taking classes, students participated in outreach activities and service learning in the local communities and visited several historical places, including, the national mosque in Abuja, King Ooni of Ile-Ife Palace, and a slave market and museum and the gate-of-no- return in Badagry town. Badagry is a coastal town located between the metropolitan city of Lagos and the border of the Republic of Benin.
Students visited the city of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory for few days. They facilitated Health Awareness and Computer Appreciation classes attended by over 60 women and organized by the Better Life Programme for the African Rural Woman and Women & Youths Education Empowerment Foundation (WYEEF). The students toured several historical places in Abuja, including the National Mosque, Asokoro Rock and Safari Park and Zoo and paid tribute to King Ezedigbo of the Igbo people in the Federal Capital Territory. The reception at King Ezedigbo’ s Place was highlighted with live musical performance and traditional rites. Students interacted with the King, giving them the opportunity to have many of their questions answered and concerns addressed.
At the conclusion of the program, the students completed and received academic credits in two courses: Yoruba Language and Culture, and Africa Society and Culture. They also participated in the week-long, even-filled fourth convocation and graduation ceremony at Covenant University
The trip to Africa is certainly a memorable one for all three students. As African Americans as this was their first visit to the continent of Africa, they were shocked beyond belief of what they saw and experienced, contrary to myths they have been taught about Africa. When asked if they would like to visit Nigeria again or complete their study at Covenant, the response was overwhelming “yes.” They wished that they had stayed longer. They indicated that “their life will never be the same again” – the generosity and hospitality, warmness, resiliency, and the surviving spirit of the people, the cultures, the language and values are very contagious in nature. All three students implore other students to take advantage of this life-changing study-abroad opportunity in Africa.
King Ezedigbo of Igbo People in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria with his chiefs and FSU students and faculty (back row from left, Matheuw Chandler, Daniel Okunbor, Fidelis Atabong, WYEEF President, Molly Williams)
For further information, please contact:
Yunkai Chen
Professor and Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs
(910) 672-1986