The Nigerian Ambassador of the Nigerian High Commissioner in Ghana, Ambassador Abikoye Femi Michael has visited the Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology (KNUST). Amb. Abikoye was accompanied by the Minister and staff of the High Commission as well as some members of the Nigerian community in Ghana.

Their first point of call was the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, where they interacted with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso and some members of management in the University.

Professor Obiri-Danso stated that Ghana and Nigeria had had cordial relationship for many years and have collaborated in different areas. He revealed that most lecturers had their PhDs from Nigerian Universities. KNUST also boasts of collaborations with several Nigerian institutions and has over 2000 students from Nigeria who form the bulk of our international student population.

Amb. Femi Abikoye said his visit was one of familiarization on assuming office as High Commissioner. He was grateful that Nigerians and Ghanaians are living peacefully and enjoying a fruitful relationship. He said it was good that both countries will continue to enjoy bilateral relations and cooperation.

He also informed the Vice-Chancellor of his intention to meet Nigerian students on campus. At the meeting with the Nigerian Students, Professor Wilson Agyare, Vice-Dean of Students, stated that Nigerian students are well organised and have good leadership. Aside students there are Nigerian lecturers and administrators in the University who are all excelling in their endeavours.  

However, Nigerian students are missing in sporting activities and encouraged them to join the sporting activities in the University. He also encouraged them to form good associations with the Ghanaian counterparts so that they can fully integrate into the Ghanaian system.

Amb. Abikoye Femi Michael said his meeting with students from KNUST was the first time of meeting Nigerian students in a group since he assumed office. He said as part of diplomatic missions, he is to ensure that the relationship between his country and the host country is strengthened as well as seek the welfare of his countrymen in Ghana.

He informed the students that in his earlier meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, he learnt that their fees had been reduced by 10-15% and commended management for their kind gesture.

The Ambassador indicated that the students are at home since both countries have collaborated on a lot of things and are more like siblings. With Nigeria’s population over 180 million, it is not surprising that they are found in most countries.

He encouraged the students to enjoy the host country and mix with the local students to enjoy their stay in the country.

He also urged them to study diligently and to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and to refrain from acts that may bring the name of their country into disrepute. In ending he said Nigeria needs them and that they should come back and use the knowledge acquired to develop their motherland.