IN a move to enhance collaboration in education, health, entrepreneurship, and development, the US Presidential Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement has approved a student exchange programme between Spelman College in Atlanta and the University of Lagos in Nigeria. This agreement marks a significant step in fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
During their three-day visit to Abuja and Lagos, council members toured a USAID-supported health facility in Karu, a suburb of Abuja. This facility, dedicated to improving childhood illness management, family planning, immunisation, and delivery services, showcased the positive impact of international aid on local healthcare systems.
Deniece Laurent-Mantey, executive director of the advisory council, praised the healthcare facility’s efforts, stating, ‘They’re doing a phenomenal job there, it really gave us a sense of what the healthcare system is in Nigeria.’ She highlighted the active and influential role of the Nigerian diaspora in shaping US-Africa policies, making Nigeria a deliberate choice for the council’s inaugural visit.
The council, established by President Joe Biden in September, aims to strengthen economic and social development ties between Africa and its diaspora. Akila Udoji, manager of the Primary Healthcare Centre of Karu, expressed gratitude for the council’s visit, noting the benefits of the support received, including capacity-building, training, equipment supply, and facility upgrades.
The council’s agenda included signing an agreement for a student exchange programme between Spelman College and the University of Lagos. Laurent-Mantey emphasised the importance of education exchanges, particularly in STEM and creative industries, to foster collaboration between African Americans and Africans.
‘In Lagos, we had the president of Spelman College—she’s also a member of our council—sign an agreement with the University of Lagos to further education exchange programmes,’ VOA quoted Laurent-Mantey as saying. She underscored the significance of this collaboration, noting Spelman College’s status as a historically Black university.
The advisory council’s first set of recommendations to the US president, adopted in March, included the student exchange initiative, advocating for increased US government support for Africa, climate-focused initiatives, and improved US visa access for Africans.
During their visit, the council also engaged with Nigerian health and foreign affairs officials, highlighting the importance of their mission to promote African diaspora-led investments in technology entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare delivery.
The delegation’s visit concluded on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the US and Africa through strategic collaborations and investments.
