Nigeria is set to inaugurate a Master’s Programme in International Trade, through the support of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), awarded to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said this when the Nigeria Ambassador to WTO led a delegation to visit her in Abuja.
Oduwole said it was the first time Nigeria secured such an endowment in its 30 years of WTO membership.
“It is a four-year endowment to the tune of 200,000 Swiss Francs. The research and the capacity building is going to span from this year.
“The digital trade across Africa, which is one of our priorities in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, then followed by research on MSMEs, research on the circular economy, and of course, you can’t leave out female empowerment.”
According to her, it aligns with the ministry ‘s priorities and will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to implement WTO and African Continental Free Trade Area policies effectively.
Amb. Adams Abdulhamid, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, explained that 27 Nigerian universities applied for the programme which UNIZIK emerged winner after rigorous screening.
He also commended the WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for her leadership and consistent support for Nigeria.
“This programme is domiciled in the WTO and supports academic institutions globally to strengthen trade policy research and capacity building.”
UNIZIK’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, expressed pride in the university’s achievement and pledged full institutional support for the programme.
“This project underscores our capacity for research and development and we are committed to ensuring its success.”
Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, Head of the Prof. Ngozi Egbuna International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research at the university, said the programme would commence at the next academic session.
