Assistant Secretary of state for Educational and Cultural Affairs in the United States, Lee Satterfield, has called for a need to allow Nigerian students have access to acquiring education globally as this will build a stronger career path.
Satterfield made the call during a lecture on foreign policy and how United States and UNILAG can partner on educational and cultural affairs which she gave on Wednesday at the University of Lagos.
The Assistant Secretary informed the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG Prof. Folashade Ogunsola that through the programme of Fulbright and the Mandela Washington , students in Nigeria could pursue new opportunities that will further enhance expansion in the creative industries.
She also revealed that the ‘window on America’ hub was another important aspect of the partnership while reiterating that the hub will provide information about studying in America to have a taste of their culture.
In her words “I had the privilege of joining the VC and the Consul General, Will Stevens, at a meeting where the United States and the University of Lagos agreed to open a ‘Window on America’ a hub right here on campus that will be open to all. The centre will offer information about studying in the United States, opportunities to participate in workforce development training and experience American culture, as well as access to fast and free internet to university students and faculty.”
Satterfield also said allowing student access to study in other part of the world will create more exposure and make the world a better place.
“I think access to studying in other places around the world will allow students both in the United States and in Nigeria and across the continent of Africa to have more exposure, the students will know about other cultures and share ideas. It’s going to make the world a better place and it’s going to make us stronger independently on our career paths but also, we are going to solve the world’s global challenges by coming together and sharing ideas for finding solutions,” she added.
Responding, the UNILAG Vice Chancellor said that for people in educational sector, connecting with people globally had always been a welcomed idea.
“It is all about opening mind of the learner so we are always about connecting with other people so that their mind and idea exchange. The only way we do that is by meeting with others and having an American hub, is a culture of space for interaction because as a university we should be engaging everywhere globally so this kind of engagement helps us to make our students globally inclined, this is because we are not training students for just Nigeria, we are training them for the world. We want student to have an idea and not think that it is only their father’s farm that is big. They need to get out and even if they can’t, this hub will give them information and knowledge,’ she stated.
