The German Consular-General to Nigeria, Dr. Bernd von Münchow-Pohl paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof
Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS at the Senate house.
He emphasized that the visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between his country and Nigeria, through the commencement of training for its workforce and the exchange of academic programmes with the establishment of a German academic programme. A move that will follow the same pattern as is being experienced at the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka as well as the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, especially with the rising acceptance of the German language in the emerging global economic matrix.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked the German Consular for bringing close the German culture to the university. He acknowledged that internationalisation of the institution became imperative as it is an important aspect that can open up the minds of students and staff. This should be taken into consideration towards productive employment, noting that human capital through this effort will help graduates in attaining the professional opportunities they hoped for.
It was also an avenue for the Diplomat to speak about the relationship between the university and some academic institutions in Germany and the need to rekindle the previous working relationships.
For more than a decade, the German University, the University of Bayreuth, housed the famous ‘Iwalewahaus’ founded by Ulli Beier, one of the co-founders of the Mbari Club in Ibadan. A non-academic intellectual, who worked in Nigeria for about 20 years in the 50s and 60s. Upon his return to Germany in 1981, he founded Iwalewahaus where most Nigerians have been actively involved in the Arts and cultural exchange of both countries.
The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development & Services), Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, Registrar, Oladejo Azeez, Esq, and the Director, International Relations, Partnership and Prospects, Prof. Ismail Ibraheem.
