The Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, has commended members of The Pan-African Dialogue Institute (TPADI) for their foresight in establishing an international Institute. Prof. Ndaeyo said that he was pleased with the choice of UNIUYO to be the host of the Institute, stating the preparedness of the University to support TPADI in its programmes and activities. He charged the Institute to help members of the public acquire knowledge and skills in dialogue in order to promote societal peace and progress. He noted that with recent happenings around the world, particularly, the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli war “there is an urgent need for everyone to fully understand the importance of dialogue to promote peaceful coexistence.” The Vice Chancellor Stated this on Thursday October 26, 2023 during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University and The Pan-African Dialogue Institute.
Earlier, the International President of the Institute, Dr. Effiong Joseph Udo noted that the day was very significant because it will go to the corporate annals of both the University and the Institute. Dr. Udo further hinted that his institute is dedicated to the study and propagation of the values and ideals of Pan-Africanism. According to him, it was the Pan-African movement that made African countries gain their independence from colonizers. He recounted how he had the opportunity to learn more about Pan-Africanism in 2016 at Temple University in Philadelphia, United States of America where he studied under Professor Leonard Swidler and met the co-founder – Professor Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha of California State University, Los Angeles. Dr Udo said his interaction with other African academics, dialogue scholars and practitioners as well as civic society leaders during the one year he was on sabbatical at the Dialogue Institute, Temple University further broadened his horizon. He pointed out that the product of his interaction with African scholars and professionals from different fields of life was their agreement to keep alive the ideals of Pan-Africanism through dialogue by floating a continental/international Institute.
PAN-AFRICANISM, according to Dr. Udo emphasizes the importance of unity, self-determination, dignity, social justice, and African cultural pride. unity of purpose as factors that will aid the process. He said that the revival of this movement was a matter of survival of Africa and preservation of the dignity of Africans all over the world. According to him, within just one year, the membership of the Institute has grown to over 100 scholars and professionals cutting across 19 countries, including Rwanda, Malawi, South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and so on. “Some of our members are also based in the Americas and in Europe, most notably in the United States, the Caribbean, Germany and the United Kingdom,” Dr. Udo said.
He announced that plans are ongoing for an international conference and the launch of the Institute on May 23-26, 2024. This conference which will hold in UNIUYO being the international headquarters of the institute, is planned to coincide with the celebration of International Africa Day 2024 where many international dignitaries are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, at the MOU Signing Ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Enoidem Usoro, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Anthony Udoh, the Registrar, Mrs. Blossom E. Okorie, the University Librarian, Dr. Uduakobong O. Udoh, as well as the Head of Administration in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Edet Affia, and the Head of Legal Unit, Barr. Imoh Etukudoh, among others were in attendance to witness the epoch-making event. Officials who accompanied the President of The Pan-Africanism Dialogue Institute were: Rev. Fr. Dr. Emem Umoren -Chairman Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof. Emmanuel Akpabio –Director of International Programmes, Barr. Dorcas James – Deputy Corporate Secretary, Mr. Goodnews Akpan – Deputy Director, African Youth Capacity and Development Commission, Mr. David B. Morrow – Deputy Director, Communication, Media and ICT, as well as Dr. Itoro Ikoh – Director of Finance and Mr. Mfon Okon – member Communication, Media and ICT Commission.
The high point of the day was the signing of the MOU officiated by the Head of Legal Unit of the university, Barr. Imoh Etukudoh, and presentation of a plague to the Vice Chancellor by Dr. Udo to mark the beginning of international collaboration between the University and The Pan-African Dialogue Institute.
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