FSU Students study abroad in Africa
FSU Students study abroad in Africa
As part of its efforts to produce graduates with global perspective, FSU recently established partnerships with several higher educational institutions in Africa, including University of Western Cape in South Africa, University of Abuja and Covenant University in Nigeria, University of Dar es Salaam, and the Institute for Social Work in Tanzania, with approved Memoranda of Agreement for Faculty/Student Exchange and Study-Abroad Programs.
In meeting with its commitment to global citizenry for its students, FSU sponsored three students for a 3-week study-abroad program at Covenant University in Nigeria this summer. The students are Fidelis Atabong, who is a senior majoring in Chemistry and History; Molly Williams, graduate student of Social Work, and Matheuw Chandler, a junior majoring in Biology. The students were accompanied by Dr. Daniel Okunbor, Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Computer Science.
FSU students participated in the 1-week long event-filled fourth convocation and graduation ceremony at Covenant University. The students completed and received academic credits in two courses, Yoruba Language and Culture and Africa Society and Culture. Students had the opportunity to be immersed with the languages, cultures and history of African, Nigerian and Yoruba people. In addition to taking classes, students participated in outreach activities and service learning in the local communities and visited several historical places, including, the national mosque in Abuja, King Ooni of Ile-Ife Palace, slave market and museum, and the gate-of-no-return in Badagry town. Badagry is a coastal town located between the metropolitan city of Lagos and the border of the Republic of Benin.
Students visited the city of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory for a few days. They facilitated Health Awareness and Computer Appreciation classes attended by over 60 women and organized by the Better Life Programme for the African Rural Woman and Women & Youths Education Empowerment Foundation (WYEEF). The students toured several historical places in Abuja, including the National Mosque, Asokoro Rock and Safari Park and Zoo and paid tribute to King Ezedigbo of the Igbo people in the Federal Capital Territory. The reception at King Ezedigbo’s Palace was highlighted with a live musical performance and traditional rites. Students interacted with the King, giving them the opportunity to have many of their questions answered and concerns addressed.
The trip to Africa is certainly a memorable one for all three students. As African Americans this was their first visit to the continent of Africa, they were shocked beyond belief of what they saw and experienced, contrary to myths they have been taught about Africa. When asked if they would like to visit Nigeria again or complete their study at Covenant, the response was overwhelming "yes." They wished that they had stayed longer. They indicated that "their life will never be the same again" – the generosity and hospitality, warmness, resiliency, and the surviving spirit of the people, the cultures, the language and values are very contagious in nature. All three students implore other students to take advantage of this life-changing studyabroad opportunity in Africa.