ABU to partner Czech varsities on African traditions, culture

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Dr Isma’ila Shehu, said the ambassador made the commitment when he paid a courtesy visit to the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha. Mr. Mikes said his assignment as an envoy in Nigeria was beyond sustenance of diplomatic and economic […]

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Dr Isma’ila Shehu, said the ambassador made the commitment when he paid a courtesy visit to the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha.
 Mr. Mikes said his assignment as an envoy in Nigeria was beyond sustenance of diplomatic and economic ties as the task should be broader than that.
He said he was in Zaria to visit the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris and Ahmadu Bello University having read a lot on Africa, saying Nigeria is an African country with rich traditions and culture.
The Ambassador, who was accompanied by his wife, said he had been reading a lot about Nigeria for well over 20 years after coming to know of the country through his teacher who was a lecturer at ABU.
“Only a few faculties in Czech universities offer courses in African studies. It was an area where ABU and Czech universities should explore to promote studies in African culture,” he said.
He said a number of Czech universities were interested in major African languages such as Hausa and Amharic because of their immense influence in West and East Africa respectively, and ABU could greatly help in setting up a centre for the study of Hausa Language in such universities.
Responding, the vice chancellor, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, expressed delight over the visit, saying this was the first time a high ranking officer from Czech Republic was visiting the university.
“We are very much interested to see how we can start building a strong academic relationship with universities in Czech Republic; such relationship can be built around research, exchange of students and other academic engagements,” he said.