Nigeria’s premier private University, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), on Monday, 9th March, 2026 hosted a high-level Turkish delegation to discuss potential partnerships and collaborative initiatives in higher education and related sectors.
The visit was led by Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, the Federal Representative for Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West Constituency, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the engagement to advance international cooperation and institutional development.
The delegation held productive discussions with University authorities focused on areas such as academic exchanges, joint research programs, technology transfer, and other mutually beneficial collaborations.
The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, warmly received the delegation and expressed strong enthusiasm for the proposed ties. In his remarks during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted IUO’s commitment to global engagement, noting that such partnerships align with the university’s vision of fostering innovation, excellence in education, and cross-border knowledge sharing. He emphasized that collaborations with international institutions like those in Türkiye would significantly enhance opportunities for students and faculty, promote research advancements, and position IUO as a key player in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Prof. Ezemonye further stated that the University, as Nigeria’s first private institution of higher learning, remains dedicated to building strategic alliances that drive academic growth and contribute to national development through shared expertise and resources.
A member of the Turkish delegation, Mehmet Aytac Demirbas, Chairman, Frontera Verde Group, in his speech, expressed keen interest in leveraging IUO’s strengths for joint ventures that could yield long-term benefits for both parties.
While no formal agreements were signed during the visit, the discussions concluded on an optimistic note, with both sides indicating readiness to pursue concrete proposals in the near future. The engagement is seen as a promising development in strengthening Nigeria-Türkiye bilateral relations, particularly in the education sector.
IUO continues its strategic push for international linkages amid efforts by Nigerian Universities to expand global networks for capacity building and enhanced student experiences.
