As part of its global outreach programming, NDSU is significantly expanding its sphere of influence through new collaborative initiatives in Africa. According to NDSU’s Africa representative, Charles Okigbo, professor of communication, who is on developmental leave in Kenya and Nigeria, “the new overtures from NDSU have been warmly received by African groups which are eager to take advantage of the opportunities NDSU presents them for mutually beneficial collaborative engagements in training, research and services to their communities.”
Through the goodwill of the Division of Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, NDSU has signed memoranda of understanding with universities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda. Plans are at advanced stages for close collaboration with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, such as jointly hosting professional development workshops led by NDSU professors in agriculture, communication and human development. The Nigerian partners have expressed strong interest in workshops on food safety, grants development, public speaking, speech writing and women leadership. NDSU has considerable capacity to train in all these areas.
NDSU also is pursuing potential partnerships with universities in Ghana.
Evie M. Myers, vice president for equity, diversity and global outreach, is optimistic the Africa initiatives can be sustained beyond the period of Okigbo’s developmental leave. “There is palpable enthusiasm about NDSU extending its sphere of influence globally into Africa and other world regions,” Myers said. “Such an extension provides opportunities for NDSU students, faculty and staff to become more actively engaged with the international community, especially now that we are sharpening the focus of our global outreach programs.”