UNIVERSITY OF JOS STRENGTHENS GLOBAL CLIMATE PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH ANCCE-FACILITATED WANI EXCHANGE WITH WALES

The University of Jos, through the Anthony Nyong Climate Centre of Excellence (ANCCE), recently hosted a delegation from Wales under the Taith Exchange Programme, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration and climate justice engagement.

As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Joshua Pam Chollom. Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Pic Onwochei; the Registrar, Dr. Rejoice James Songden; the Librarian, Prof Victoria Ladi Lawal, the representative of the Bursar, Mrs. Galadima, and other officers of the University.

The visiting Taith delegation was led by Counsellor Njoku, while the ANCCE team was led by its Director, Professor Daniel Dabi. Also in attendance was Dr. Salamatu Fada, the key facilitator and bridge builder between the North Wales Africa Society (NWAS) and the University of Jos for the exchange programme.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Salmatu Fada explained that the exchange mobility is a Welsh Government program designed to foster international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared learning on climate justice between participants from North Wales and Nigeria. She noted that the programme is known as WANI Exchange, an acronym derived from the first two letters of Wales and Nigeria, symbolizing the partnership, friendship, and shared commitment between the two regions. Dr. Fada expressed gratitude to the University of Jos for its support and commitment towards making the programme a reality.

Dr. Fada further noted that the current visit represents the first phase of the exchange programme. She disclosed that in the next phase, selected staff and students of the University of Jos will undertake a reciprocal visit to Wales, further strengthening academic, cultural, and climate-focused partnerships between the two institutions.

In his remarks, Professor Chollom, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, expressed delight and satisfaction with the initiative. He commended both the Taith and ANCCE teams for facilitating the collaboration, describing the programme as another testament to the growing international recognition and global relevance of the University of Jos.

He noted that such strategic partnerships continue to enhance the University's profile in global academic rankings and international engagement. He further welcomed the visiting team to the University of Jos and wished them a productive, enriching, and memorable stay, while expressing optimism that the collaboration would yield lasting benefits for all partners involved.

As a symbol of goodwill and the strengthening partnership between the two institutions, the visiting delegation from Wales presented a gift to the University of Jos during the courtesy visit.

Following the meeting at the Vice-Chancellor's Office, the delegation proceeded to ANCCE, where they held strategic meetings and interacted with members of the Centre and student representatives of the University of Jos Climate Justice Club, led by their president Mangdik Roi. John. The engagement provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions on climate justice, youth participation in climate action, and prospects for future collaboration. Members of the Climate Justice Club shared their experiences and ongoing initiatives, while the visiting team exchanged insights from their work in Wales, fostering mutual learning and intercultural understanding.