From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
In their determination to ensure that tertiary education in Nigeria is further developed and competes favourably with other parts of the world, two fast growing private universities in the country, Green Field University (GFU), Kaduna and Topfaith University, Mpkatak, Akwa Ibom State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research and other areas of collaboration for education development.
The agreement was signed by representatives of both institutions at the City Campus of Greenfield University, Kudenda area of Kaduna city.
In his welcome address, Founder /Pro Chancellor of Greenfield University, Engineer Simon Ifediora Nwakacha said that the signing of the MOU between Greenfield University and Topfaith University is not just a formal agreement, but a commitment to collaboration, mutual support, and the advancement of education, research, and development.
“This partnership signifies a new chapter in our pursuit of academic excellence and innovation, and I am confident that it will yield fruitful results for both institutions,” he said.
He said in recognition of Dr Emmanuel Thomas Abraham, the esteemed founder and BoT Chairman of Topfaith University, it is a privilege for Greenfield University to announce the naming of their Cyber Security Laboratory after him.
“The laboratory is equipped with many modern computers, a high speed internet capable server and state of the art cyber security software tailored for digital forensic, ethical hacking and network management.
“These tools provide students with hands on experience and practical skills in various aspects of cyber security, expertise, preparing them for real world challenges in the field.
“As the Pro Chancellor of Greenfield University, I express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Emmanuel Thomas Abraham for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the advancement of education.
“Your presence here today in our City Campus after the sad incidence at our permanent site is a source of inspiration for all of us and will provide you with the opportunity to support us in our drive to push forward in our quest to actualise the dreams of setting up our institution and we are truly privileged to have the opportunity to commemorate this moment alongside you”. He said.
Recalled that kidnappers stormed the permanent site of Greenfield University along Abuja/Kaduna highway and abducted some of the students few years ago.
In his remarks, Dr. Abraham of Topfaith University commended the Greenfield management for working as a team that is resilient.
“I thank all of you for standing through the tough times and giving hope to humanity. I have seen passion, I have seen determination, ingenuity and functionality.
“Chief of what I have seen here today, conforms with the philosophy that the essence of life is to make life easy for others. What you have imagined, I can assure you, they will manifest,” he said.
According to him, the MoU signed will not just be an academic exercise, but one that will be beneficial to both universities.
The Vice Chancellor, Top Faith University, Professor Patrick James on behalf of the institution, extended condolences to Greenfield University over the unfortunate incident at their permanent site few years ago.
“From what I have seen in the photographs and from what I have seen today, Greenfield is topnotch,” he added.
He described the partnership as a great thing and the way to go in modern private universities development in the country.
“You share ideas, you share resources, we work as a team. Aim at going far, and have the institution at heart,” he added.