In a significant development, Igbinedion University Okada has embarked on a ground-breaking collaboration with Cuba, aimed at promoting ethno-medical research and development. The partnership, which was formalized during a recent meeting with the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, is expected to yield far-reaching benefits for both parties.
At the core of the collaboration is the proposed establishment of the Nigeria-Cuba Institute of Ethno-medical Research and Development (NCIERD), which will be located within the university’s Teaching Hospital. The institute will focus on joint patenting and co-licensing, co-product development, and technological transfer.
The Cuban Ambassador , who played a pivotal role in facilitating the partnership, proposed a facility tour to Cuba for both industrial and educational experience. She also offered to arrange meetings with relevant experts to kick-start the proposals. Furthermore, she suggested that separate letters of intent be written to the Cuban Ministry of Health and Education, outlining the scope of the collaboration.
One of the key aspects of the partnership is the collaboration on teaching and project supervision. Cuban teachers will have the opportunity to teach at Igbinedion University, while teachers from the university will be able to visit Cuba for interaction and knowledge sharing. This exchange program will be available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
In the coming weeks, a virtual meeting is expected to take place, bringing together counterparts from Igbinedion University and Cuba. This will be followed by a trip to Cuba in February or March, where the partnership will be explored further at both the university and research and development levels.
The Cuban Ambassador has also requested an official invitation to visit Igbinedion University, where she hopes to tour the facilities, take pictures, and share them with her counterparts in Cuba.
This collaboration is a significant milestone for Igbinedion University, and is expected to enhance its reputation as a centre of excellence in research and development.
