UI DVC Highlights Knowledge Exchange as Vital for Academic Growth during Kabarak University Visit

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba FNPA, has emphasised the importance of collaboration and continuous knowledge exchange among Universities as a pathway to academic growth and societal development.

Professor Olapegba stated this while receiving Professor Mellitus Wanyama of Kabarak University, Kenya, who paid a courtesy visit to the University alongside the Head, and other staff of the Department of Music, University of Ibadan, as well as the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (RISP), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, who is currently with Kabarak University on sabbatical leave.

Speaking during the visit, Professor Olapegba noted that Universities must remain spaces where ideas are constantly questioned and refined, stressing that progress can only be achieved when institutions challenge existing norms and work together across borders. He explained that no university can thrive in isolation, adding that partnerships and collaborations are essential for fostering innovation, strengthening research, and advancing global knowledge.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between the University of Ibadan and Kabarak University Kenya, describing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions as active, impactful and expanding. He also said achievements recorded so far reflect the commitment of both parties, adding that the University of Ibadan remains fully supportive of initiatives that promote academic cooperation and institutional development.

Professor Olapegba also highlighted the importance of involving students in such collaborations, noting that early exposure to international academic engagement would ensure sustainability and continuity of the partnership. 

Earlier in his remarks, the Head, Department of Music, Dr. T.O. Owoaje, explained that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen the existing collaboration between both universities, particularly in the areas of teaching, research, and academic exchange. He noted that the Department of Music has sustained a productive relationship with Kabarak University through joint conferences, seminars, and teaching engagements, adding that the collaboration has also supported postgraduate training and supervision.

In his remarks, Professor Mellitus Wanyama expressed appreciation to the University of Ibadan for sustaining the partnership, describing the collaboration as a model for inter-university cooperation in Africa. He noted that the relationship, which began within the Department of Music, has expanded to other faculties, including Education and Law, thereby increasing its academic impact.

Also speaking, Professor Oluyemisi Bangboshe highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, noting that it has enhanced academic exchange, curriculum development, and institutional practices, particularly within the Faculty of Law at Kabarak University.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to further strengthen their partnership and explore new areas of collaboration aimed at promoting academic excellence and cross-border knowledge exchange.