The Czech Republic has indicated its willingness to establish a bilateral agreement with the management of the University of Ibadan (UI) in Nigeria, aimed at developing models that foster growth across various sectors, particularly in education for West African countries.
This intention was conveyed by Mr. Martin Čech, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria, alongside Prof. Jan Záhořík from the University of West Bohemia, during a colloquium organized by the Embassy in partnership with the Premier University.
The event, which took place in Trenchard Hall of the university, was attended by dignitaries from the Czech Republic and key university officials, including Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration Professor Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, Registrar Ganiyu Saliu, University Librarian Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi, and Provost of the College of Medicine Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran.
Other participants included Prof. Adejoke Akinyele, Dean of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources; Prof. Ruth Adio-Moses, Director of the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS); Mrs. Adejoke Akinpelu, Deputy Registrar in charge of Public Communication; and Mr. Oluwole Dada, Deputy Registrar in the Vice Chancellor’s Office, among others.
In his address, Mr. Čech expressed that the motivation behind the program was to foster mutually beneficial collaborations that facilitate development. He emphasized the importance of the colloquium and indicated that more discussions would be initiated to promote diversity and strengthen development efforts.
Prof. Záhořík, an expert in African Studies, noted that the education system and development models of the Czech Republic could potentially be adapted for Nigeria. He stated, “I am thrilled to be here at this leading university, not just in Nigeria but in West Africa. Our goals include continuing meaningful dialogues between the Czech Republic and Nigeria as we navigate the evolving global landscape and redefining our relationships.
“The second aim is academic; we seek to identify key collaboration areas in fields such as engineering and social sciences to explore joint programs for capacity building and establish collaborations in research, publications, and academic exchanges.”
Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert and Prof. Francis Egbokhare from UI, who played prominent roles in the colloquium, emphasized that Nigeria has much to learn from the Czech Republic’s development models.
Albert, an internationally recognized scholar, stated, “The Czech Republic boasts a literacy rate of 99% and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $326 billion. I am intrigued by this country and eager to understand the philosophies that underpin its success. We need to adopt new development strategies; our approach must evolve to yield tangible results for Nigeria’s advancement.”
He also pointed out, “The world is moving away from traditional relationships and seeking new partnerships. We face numerous challenges. How are we adjusting our education to address these issues? To reinforce a system, we must invest in its educational framework.”
Similarly, Prof. Egbokhare highlighted the significant potential for learning from the Czech Republic, noting the importance of the informal sector, and called for a focus on this area to establish a sustainable partnership.
Prof. Olatunji Oyeshile from the Department of Philosophy, who facilitated the event, encouraged Nigeria to adopt a self-reliant approach, drawing lessons from the Czech Republic’s emphasis on internally developed solutions and strong governance. “Their education aligns with their needs. We must cultivate our unique cultural insights and share them globally—this is a crucial lesson from the Czech experience.”
In his opening remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Olapegba emphasized that collaboration is essential for growth, stating, “No one can thrive in isolation. While going alone may be faster, collaborating with others allows for greater distance and impact. This initiative with the Czech Republic aims to foster discussions on mutually beneficial issues and collective challenges.”
