By: Aduwo Ayodele

The Chargé d’Affaire at the French Embassy in Abuja, Jean-François Hasperue, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, expressed his excitement to be at the University of Ibadan.

Mr Hasperue, who spoke during a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, recalled that his first knowledge of the University of Ibadan as a centre of excellence was while he was in East Africa.

Noting that he had always looked forward to visiting UI, he disclosed that he resumed duties in Abuja only five months ago.

Mr Hasperue was on a visit to effect the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between UI and the French Government over the Institut Français Recherché en Afrique, (IFRA), which is situated within the Institute of African Studies.

The visitor noted that the “over 30 years partnership had been mutually beneficial.”

He espoused that the focus of the Institute had been research because it is one of the tools to better understand the relationship between Africa and Europe.

Mr Hasperue said the French Embassy would also reinforce exchange in research and scientific collaboration.

He disclosed at the meeting with the University management that a new project that will include fabrication laboratories, the exchange and training of more researchers, and the award of more scholarships is soon to be embarked upon.

He commended the IFRA for a job well done, adding that the French Embassy cares very much about the relationship with the University of Ibadan.

IFRA Nigeria is one of the 27 public research institutes under the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based overseas.

In her response, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju who received the French team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, stated that the University of Ibadan had gained a lot from the partnership with IFRA over the past 30 years.

Professor Baiyeroju said the University cherishes its being able to keep the Nigerian heritage, thus becoming a repository of knowledge and culture.