The Centre for Open Education (COE), University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Friday, October 11, 2024, awarded certificates to its maiden set of students who have completed their studies in Russian Language for Everyday Use and General Education Programme.
At the Certificate Award Ceremony held at the Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, the Head of delegation from the State University of Education, Moscow, Russia; Professor Anicet Gabriel Kotchofa, applauded the UNILAG Management for its sheer commitment towards promoting the learning and integration of Russian Language and culture.
Prof. Kotchofa who is a Former Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Russia, said the knowledge of Russian language presents a new horizon of opportunities, wisdom and new experience for every partaker. According to him, Nigeria produces the second highest number out of the 33,000 African students currently studying in Russia, a milestone which makes it necessary for the Russian Federation to foster ties with Nigeria.
While acknowledging the strong sense of unity among Nigerians especially in the diaspora, Prof Kotchofa assured of the readiness of the State University of Education, Moscow to partner with UNILAG via various exchange initiatives for students and faculty.
In his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, Professor Mudashir Ilupeju described the Centre for Open Education (COE) which is domiciled in the Faculty as another testament of international collaborations which the Faculty has resolutely fostered for the growth and development of both staff and students.
He saluted the brave commitment of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, despite initial bureaucratic bottlenecks, which birthed the establishment and equipping of the Centre for Open Education (COE), UNILAG and a successful tuition-free study in Russian language and culture for the first set of students.
The highpoint of the ceremony was presentation of certificates to the students. The ceremony also featured a test of knowledge in Russian language and culture. Participants smiled home with prizes courtesy of Professor Anicet Gabriel Kotchofa.
The Centre for Open Education (COE-UNILAG) was established in 2023 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the teaching of the Russian Language and culture by authorities of University of Lagos and University of Open Education, Russia.
The Center, jointly managed by the University of Lagos and Federal State University of Education Moscow Russia (under the patronage of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation), is dedicated to the teaching and learning of the Russian Language, culture, history and regional geography online and on-site.
The first phase of the Centre’s training programme held online from December, 2023 to May, 2024 while the second phase (onsite) commenced on September 30, 2024 and climaxed on Friday, October 11, 2024 with the certificate award ceremony.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Michael Joshua
