The Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has earmarked the sum of one billion naira for the establishment of the Diaspora Research Centre at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri Erewa, disclosed this during a visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund; Sonny Echono.
Erewa met with Echono to perfect plans on the implementation plan for the successful execution of the Diaspora Research Centre for Development project.
The plan is to fund education centres and facilities for Nigerians in the diaspora.
Recall that the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, in August 2022 disclosed plans to partner with NIDCOM on promoting the domestication of modern research and innovation techniques.
Echono had informed that TETFund will be making conscious policy to support diaspora engagements for national development.
A statement by the Acting Director of NiDCOM, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, said: “TETFund followed through with the commitment by earmarking 1 billion naira for the establishment of Diaspora Research Centre in the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions.
The NIDCOM boss while expressing her admiration for TETFund’s transformative action noted that the Diaspora Research Centre will be the first of its kind in Africa with immense potential to shape the landscape of research and development in the continent.
She intimated that the management of TETFund and NIDCOM are in contact with the University of Ibadan, where the Diaspora Research Centre to discuss groundwork, models and implementation plans on the completion of the project.”
Echono said the allocation letter had been given to the University of Ibadan in May 2023, with a recommendation that the Institution submits an implementation plan for the effective take-off of activities.
While re-emphasizing TETFund efforts and commitment to research and development, Echono announced that an additional sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira was also allocated to the University of Ibadan under the 2023 budgetary allocation (Designated Projects) as fund assistance for Global Research Centre at the institution.
“The Centre is proposed to house a rich collection of African Diaspora and Transnational Studies resources, including textbooks, archival documents, audio and video tapes, online resources, microfilms and other related materials. It is as well intended to serve as a flagship scientific hub for teaching, research, and other academic activities related to diaspora and transnational studies.
”The proposal indicates that the proposed facility shall be an incubator for hosting experts, practitioners, and policy professionals with interest and experience in research, including hosting fellowship and exchange programmes to produce truly globally impactful diaspora and transnational knowledge.”