A three-man delegation from the Embassy of Spain, led by the Charge D’ Affairs of the Mission, Ms. Maria Hugain Velasco, on Monday, 17th March, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), with the aim to renew the long standing relationship with the NUC as enshrined in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Spain.
In her brief remarks, the Charge D’ Affairs informed the Executive Secretary that they also came to congratulate him on his recent appointment describing it as a well-deserved honour to the new Boss of NUC, stressing that they bring a message of renewed interest in the collaborations that had existed since 2008 with the Commission. While giving a detailed account of the collaboration, she disclosed that the Embassy had been carrying out lectureship and teaching of Spanish Language in some select Universities, including the maiden teaching class with University of Abuja that lasted for two years and the subsequent movement into the University of Lagos.
According to her, the teaching of the course at UNILAG had progressed with the inculcation of Spanish Language into the University’s European Language Curriculum as an elective course. Ms. Velasco mentioned other areas of significant strides by the Spanish Embassy to include: Offering of Grant to African Women Scientists, Scholarships and Research Grants which is on-going. She also used the forum to request for the Executive Secretary’s approval for them to use the NUC Auditorium in the month of May for their anticipated music concert show.
In his response, Professor Ribadu expressed delight on the team’s visit and for congratulating him on his appointment as the new Executive Secretary. He commended the Embassy for the years of impact in the Nigerian University System (NUS), especially on the lectureship and teaching of Spansish Language at University of Abuja and University of Lagos, two cities he said has a population of Nigerians that can embrace and deepen the understanding of Spanish Language and culture.
The Executive Secretary also acknowledged the various roles the Embassy had played in empowering women scientists in the country, the offering of scholarships and research grants to many university academics. During the interactive sesssion, Professor Ribadu assured the delegation of his commitment and support in furthering the existing collaboration because of its crucial role in enhancing the quality and scope of higher education in Nigeria. He also requested the team to do a formal letter for the use of the Auditorium for the music concert and promised that once received, it would be treated with utmost desptach it requires.
In the Embassy’s delegation were: the Consulate First Secretary, Ms. Juan Orege Mentein and Cultural Adviser, Mr. Eva Banta.
At the meeeting were: the NUC Acting Directors of: Academic Planning (DAP), Mal. Abubakar Girei; Accreditation (DA), Engr. Abraham Chundusu; Finance and Accounts (DFA), Mrs. Hauwa Amos; Open, Distance and e-Learning (DODel), Dr. Funmilayo Morebise; the Cordinator, Special Projects, Dr. Joshua Atah; Represenatives of Acting Directors of Research, Innovations and Information Technology (DRIIT), Mrs. Mercy Nwoke and Public Affairs (DPA), Mr. Akin Akinlabi.