In a bid to strengthen and amplify the need for enhanced democratic practices and citizens' right to adequate information, the United States Consulate in Lagos will be opening an American Space Centre at Covenant University. This was the thrust of the discourse during a courtesy visit by a team from the Consulate to the University Management today, Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
The team led by the U.S. Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Joseph Kruzich, said the idea of American Spaces around the world is to exemplify the U.S. commitment to a core tenet of democracy and the citizen’s right to free access to information.
Mr. Kruzich, who came in the company of the Director, American Centre, US Consulate General, Dr. Samuel A. Eyitayo, and the Education and Cultural Affairs Specialist in the US Consulate General, Mr. Clemson Ayegbusi, said their visit to Covenant was all about strengthening existing ties between the United States Embassy in Nigeria and Covenant University. "I have heard great things about Covenant University, and I am here with renewed enthusiasm to forge a close partnership with this university," he stated.
He said the opening of the American Space in Covenant will increase the number of Spaces in South-western Nigeria. According to him, over fifteen thousand Nigerians studied in the US last year, and the United States Consulate is ready to assist interesting partners to pave the way for more intelligent and enterprising scholars so as to double or quadruple the number this year.
The Director, American Centre, Consulate General, Dr. Samuel A. Eyitayo, making a presentation on the ‘Opportunities for Students and Academics at American Spaces in Nigeria, said American Spaces are open-access learning and gathering places around the world that promote interaction – both in-person and virtual, among local audiences and the United States.
According to him, American Spaces are designed to promote mutual understanding through multifunctional platforms for public diplomacy programmes, promote open dialogue, counteract negative preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding, as well as serve as places where Mission Officers and Alumni could meet with the community who have limited exposure to American culture and ideals.
Dr. Eyitayo posited that every American Space has been carefully tailored to provide the information needs of a diverse group of professionals ranging from journalists, academics, businessmen and women, civic organizations, teachers, students, government officials, military personnel, clergy, traditional rulers, and all Nigerians.
He concluded by highlighting the mantra of the American Spaces globally, which is to engage, educate, and empower through educational advising resources, career workshops, skills development, and cultural and alumni engagement activities.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo, said Covenant was excited to continue to partner with the US Consulate in advancing educational frontiers in Nigeria, noting the tremendous support that the Consulate has given to the university since its inception.
Professor Adebayo assured the team of the University’s readiness to support the initiative and make it a breeding ground for communal interactions for not just those within the University, but the entire community at large.