A team from the University of Free State, South Africa comprising Professor Cornelius Hagenmeier, Professor Heidi Hudson and Professor Stephanie Cawood paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan; Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebola B. Ekanola on Wednesday, 11 September, 2019. In attendance at the event were the Deputy Registrar, Vice- Chancellor’s Office, Mr. O. O Dada, Director, Office of International Programmes (OIP), Professor Edith Ajaiyeoba, Mrs Patricia Afolabi (OIP) and Mrs Temitope Olajide (OIP).

The purpose of the visit was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Ibadan and University of Free State, South Africa and to deliberate on possible ways of collaborating with the University of Ibadan in terms of joint workshops, conferences and diverse other areas with Centers, Institutes and departments in the University of Ibadan. The team who introduced themselves expressed their utmost pleasure in possible collaboration opportunities between University of Free State and University of Ibadan.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic); Professor Adebola B. Ekanola who gave a summary of Ibadan City stated that he is aware that they must have learnt a lot about the University of Ibadan from the Office of International Programmes. He also expressed his delight in the proposed collaboration. He stressed that the University of Ibadan is very much interested in the partnership and will provide necessary support in ensuring the success of the proposed collaboration. He further suggested that they should visit departments, centers and institutes in the Universities to deliberate on possible ways they could establish collaborations. He wished them a fruitful stay at the University of Ibadan.