OYINLOLA CALLS FOR HARVARD, UNIOSUN COOPERATION
Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on wednesday called for strong ties between Osun state University and the world acclaimed Harvard University, United States..
Prince Oyinlola, who spoke while meeting with authorities of the University in Boston, United States on the need for exchange programmes between Harvard and Uniosun added that there were several areas of cooperation that could be explored by both sides for their mutual benefit.
A statement issued by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary,Lasisi Olagunju said the Governor, who is in Boston, United States with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, on the invitation of the University lauded Harvard for showing the way in areas of sound academic research and training stressing that his own government at home designed Uniosun to be a world class institution.
Prince Oyinlola met with the Marshal of Harvard University, Jackie O'Neil and the Dean, Harvard Divinity School, Prof William Graham where he intimated them of the efforts of the Osun state Government to have a UNESCO Category two institute established in Osogbo this year.
" The Executive board of UNESCO has already approved the establishment of the Institute for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo. The UNESCO General Assembly will meet next month to give final approval to the initiative," Prince Oyinlola said.
In their separate comments, the two University officials also spoke on the need for mutual understanding and cooperation between Harvard University and Uniosun including the need for the Nigerian Government to fund training of brilliant Nigerian students in Harvard.
The University Marshal also used the meeting to inform the Governor and the Ooni that a total of 27 Nigerian Students currently study in that institution.
Governor Oyinlola and Oba Sijuwade are Special Guests of Honour at a conference organised by Harvard University on " Sacred Knowledge, Sacred Power and Performance" with particular attention on the belief system of the Yoruba.
With Governor Oyinlola and the Ooni are the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Oludo of Ido Osun, Oba Adedapo Sapoyaro and the Apetu of Ipetumodu.,
Lasisi Olagunju
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
12/03/08
