By Zainab Bakare
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yakubu Gowon University have begun moves to forge a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening diplomatic training, policy research and institutional capacity as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s Foreign Service.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a courtesy visit by the management of the University’s Centre for Foreign Studies and Languages to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda.
He noted that the Ministry’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Doctrine Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora remains the framework for delivering a people-centred foreign policy that promotes economic growth, job creation, national security and improved living standards.
The Minister stressed that continuous training, retraining and research are critical to building a professional and responsive Foreign Service capable of addressing emerging global challenges.
Under the proposed partnership, both institutions will collaborate on diplomatic training and capacity building, including support for the revitalisation of the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy.
The University will also contribute policy research and data-driven analysis to strengthen evidence-based foreign policy formulation.
Other areas of collaboration include migration management, where both parties will support safe and structured migration policies, and the establishment of ECOWAS Clubs in tertiary institutions, with Yakubu Gowon University serving as the pilot institution to promote greater awareness of regional integration among students.
To deepen diplomatic engagement, Ambassador Enikanolaiye directed relevant directors in the Ministry to work with the University on creating a platform for regular interaction with Ambassadors and High Commissioners resident in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the University’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students, Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi commended the Ministry for the initiative, describing the institution as well positioned to support Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives.
He said the University’s Directorate of Foreign Studies and Foreign Languages, alongside its Centre for Migration and Security Studies, would provide expertise for staff exchanges, cultural and educational programmes, postgraduate training for Ministry officials and capacity building for members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Professor Fawehinmi also sought the Ministry’s support in convening a forum that would bring together Ambassadors and High Commissioners to explore mutually beneficial areas of cooperation with the University.
