Get Guardian on GoogleThe Oyo State Chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) has called for stronger academic collaboration between private universities in Nigeria and institutions in the United States, highlighting the potential benefits for students, lecturers and the wider higher education sector.
The call was made by the Oyo State Coordinator of USGEAAN, Mrs Jumoke Olowookere, while speaking as Keynote Speaker at a preparatory engagement, ahead of the 2026 Private Universities Educational Forum, scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The forum was organised by Foresight Educational Consult and is expected to bring together representatives of private universities, prospective university students, secondary school authorities and parents.
She emphasised the importance of building stronger international academic relationships that could expand opportunities for Nigerian institutions and their students.
She noted that collaboration between Nigerian private universities and their counterparts in the United States could create opportunities for knowledge exchange, faculty development, research collaboration, scholarships, internships and exposure to international best practices.
According to her, USGEAAN Oyo State Chapter is interested in exploring how its alumni network and professional connections could help facilitate conversations and identify opportunities for mutually beneficial academic engagement.
She said: “We believe that stronger connections between private universities in Nigeria and institutions in the United States can open up valuable opportunities for our universities, lecturers and students.
These could include knowledge exchange, professional development, research collaboration, scholarships and exposure to different approaches to teaching and learning.
“As an association of Nigerians who have participated in U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programmes, we recognise the value of international exposure and the importance of translating the knowledge and experiences gained into opportunities that benefit our communities.
“We see the forthcoming forum as an opportunity to engage with a broad range of private universities, understand their interests and explore areas where meaningful connections and collaboration may be possible.”
Earlier, the Head Consultant of Foresight Educational Consult, Ayodeji Michael Oshodi, explained that the 2026 Private Universities Educational Forum would provide a platform for participating universities to interact directly with prospective students, parents and school representatives.
He explained that university representatives would make presentations on their academic programmes, scholarship opportunities, internships, international linkages and campus experiences. The universities would also have designated exhibition spaces where prospective students and parents could obtain further information and discuss admission processes.
The 2026 edition will also feature a special lecture by Professor Temitope Jegede of the School of Entrepreneurial Studies, focusing on entrepreneurial skills and their importance in preparing young people for future careers.
Mrs Olowookere reiterated that the Chapter looks forward to engaging with participating institutions beyond the forum, particularly in identifying areas of shared interest in international academic collaboration and professional development.
About USGEAAN
The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) is a network of Nigerians who are alumni of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programmes. Its membership spans different professional backgrounds and sectors, including education, healthcare, government, business, civil society and development.
Through professional networking, knowledge sharing, community service and collaborative initiatives, the Association provides opportunities for its members to apply their exchange experiences and contribute to Nigeria’s development.
The Oyo State Chapter continues to promote education, youth development, leadership, civic participation, innovation and community engagement through partnerships and activities across the state.
The Chapter’s engagement with the private university community reflects its broader interest in strengthening connections between local institutions and international opportunities.
