COLLABORATION , THE KEY TO ADVANCEMENT
Harvard Divinity School Seeks Collaboration with UNIZIK
Fellows of the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, to explore possible areas of academic collaboration with Harvard Divinity School, United States.
The visit, which took place on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, was led by Dr. Miriam Ngozi Alike of the Department of Philosophy, who serves as the South-East Coordinator of the Institute.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Alike explained that the delegation comprised fellows of the Institute who had participated in its Summer School held from July 20 to 29, 2026.
According to the Dr Alike, the team was visiting on the recommendation of the Institute’s convener, and Founder of the Institute, Prof. Jacob Olupona of Harvard University, to convey Harvard Divinity School’s interest in establishing a collaborative relationship with UNIZIK.
Dr Alike described the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies as an academic and research organisation established in July 2017 at Obafemi Awolowo University, with a focus on interdisciplinary research, fellowships and mentorship in the humanities and social sciences.
According to her, the proposed collaboration would provide opportunities for academic exchange and research partnerships, noting that Harvard Divinity School has established endowments in some universities.
Responding, Prof. Anyaehie thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed his willingness to explore the proposed collaboration.
Prof. Anyaehie directed the team to liaise with the Director of International Collaboration, Prof. Nwadigwe, for guidance on the requirements and procedures for establishing the partnership.
The Vice-Chancellor further advised the delegation to work with the director to prepare a memorandum for consideration and signing as part of the process of formalising the proposed collaboration.
The delegation presented the Vice-Chancellor with the Institute’s 2025 newsletters and the 2026 Summer Institute schedule.
Other members of the delegation were Dr. Ngozi Ulogu of the Department of English Language and Literature; Dr. Chy Gabriel Alonta of the Department of Business Education; Dr. Ifeoma Nnabuife of the Department of Psychology; and Elechi Gift Onyinyechukwu of the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education.
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