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From Toyin Adurodija,
Ilorin
About 139 universities from different parts of Africa will converge
in May 2009 for a conference of Association of African Universities
(AAU).
The conference, second of its nature to be hosted by Nigeria since
1967 when AAU came into being, would be jointly hosted by the
Universities of Ilorin and Abuja.
With the determination to make the 2009 conference of the body a
unique and successful one, the host universities have commenced
preparations in earnest.
The inaugural meeting of the hosts was held last Friday at the
University of Ilorin where the Vice-Chancellors, Professors Ishaq
Oloyode and Huhu Yaqub (Uni-Abuja) jointly inaugurated both the
steering and local organizing committees of the 2009 conference
respectively.
According to Professor Oloyede, the theme of the 2009 AAU’s
conference is “Sustainable Development in Africa: the role of Higher
Institutions”.
He said AAU was formed to co-ordinate activities of universities in
Africa as well as represent the African continent in international
world as far as higher efucaiton is concerned.
He added that the body, which was connived in Morocco in 1967,
started with 34 members but now has 139 members across the
continent.
The Unilorin V-C, further added that a total of 600 delegates would
be participating in the conference and the host universities would
be responsible for their accommodation and feeding during their stay
in the country.
He assured prospective delegates of their safety during the
conference and pledged that the hosts would ensure a hitch free
conference in all spheres.
He said: “Nigeria is safe and offers hope for Africa as a continent.
We are great because of the role God has put in our shoulders.”
In his contribution, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja,
Professor Nuhu Yaqub, charged members of the committees to commence
preparations in earnest to enable the hosts meet the expectations of
the delegates.
He reminded them that much was expected of Nigeria “because of her
position in Africa”.
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