ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, has called on international students at Babcock University to prioritize peace, unity, and cultural exchange during their academic journeys.
In a statement made at the Babcock University International Students Association (BUISA) Cultural Day, which is part of the annual BUISA Week celebrations, Ambassador Bazivamo expressed his country’s solidarity with the students, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities they face while studying abroad.
“We proudly stand in solidarity with you, our esteemed students,” Ambassador Bazivamo stated, encouraging the students to use the event as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, learn from different cultures, and contribute positively to the African narrative.
The ambassador praised the students ability to collaborate despite their diverse backgrounds, emphasizing that the event had successfully created a vibrant platform for celebrating “shared humanity” and fostering connections among individuals from various cultures.
In a keynote address, guest speaker and Babcock University alumna, Mrs. Misan Olukuade, highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in cross-cultural interactions and learning.
Mrs. Olukuade noted that a multicultural environment offers invaluable opportunities for cultural exchange, broadening one’s worldview, and enhancing self-confidence.
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“In a globally connected world, learning in a multi-cultural environment offers opportunities for cultural exchange, broadening of worldview as well as increased self-confidence,” she explained, adding that the skills developed at Babcock University had been pivotal in shaping her understanding of workplace ethics and international relations.
Babcock University’s President/Vice Chancellor, Professor Ademola Tayo, also spoke at the event, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing international students with a “home away from home.” Drawing from his own experience as a foreign student in Sweden, Prof. Tayo assured the students of the university’s continued support.
“Any institution worth its salt today understands the value of having a diverse student population,” said Prof. Tayo. “We will continue to support our international students in every way we can.”
The event also saw the presence of diplomatic representatives, including Ambassador Bazivamo and Mr. Juan Segura Yaye, the representative of the Equatorial Guinean High Commission.
Aside from a vibrant food fair, BUISA Week offered a platform for students to showcase cultural attire, flags, and greetings, providing a sense of belonging and celebration of their diverse heritage.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, the BUISA President, an African-American student, Ralph Kisob, shared his appreciation for Babcock University’s focus on both academic excellence and moral training.
“The event means a lot to me because it gives us a definition of who we are, I came from the US to study here because, apart from the high academic standards, Babcock University offers strong moral training” Kisob said.
BUISA Week continues to serve as a platform for promoting unity, diversity, and global understanding among the university’s international student body.
Some members of the BU International Students Association
BUISA members display their country’s flags
BU President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo with the Rwandan High Commission to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, Mr. Juan Segura Yaye, of the Eqautorail Guinean High Commission to Nigeria with other officers and guest speaker with me
A cross section of the international students at the event
L-r: Mr. Vianney Rubagumya, Second Counsellor, Rwandan High Commission to Nigeria, Mr. Joshua Umahi, Head of Babcock University International Students Unit, President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, Rwandan High Commisson to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, Ralph Ksob, BUISA President, Mr. Juan Segura Yaye, representative of the Equatorial Guinean Ambassador to Nigeria and Pastor (Dr.) Sunday Audu, Vice President student Support, Babcock University.