March 12, 2019 will remain a great and memorable day in the history of Centre for Migration Studies, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka (CMS-NAU).
On this day, a delegation of the Centre led by Prof Charles Esimone, immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka paid a courtesy call to the Embassy at the invitation of His Excellency, Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Libya and ECOWAS.
On CMS-NAU’s delegation also were Prof. Ike Odimegwu, Director of the Centre, Dr. Emeka Xris Obiezu, Visiting Lecturer and Head of Research Projects of the Centre and Dr. Chidozie Edwin Nwafor, Deputy Director of the Centre. The Embassy of Switzerland was represented by the Ambassador and Jolanda Pfister Herren, the Migration Adviser.
The Highlights of the Meeting
Following the introductions and exchange of warm regards, Ambassador Steiner informed that the purpose of the visit was for him to know more about the Centre based on the letter of introduction earlier sent by CMS-NAU which caught his interest.
The conversation went through the background, philosophy, vision, mission, aim, objectives, and activities of the Centre as well as opportunities for collaboration. The strides made so far by the Centre and future prospects made the highlights of the overview.
The Ambassador was impressed by what the Centre was able to achieve in the short time of its existence. He acknowledged that the Centre has something genuine to contribute in the area of migration discourse and management in Nigeria and beyond. He also lauded the idea of situating the Centre within the university which positions it to make wider impacts. He advised the Centre to prioritize all the issues highlighted in the objectives and focus on the most tangible first. Finally, he noted that there are opportunities of partnership and collaboration between the Embassy and Centre that could be explored.
Exchange of souvenirs between the University and the Embassy brought the fruitful visit to a happy end.