University to play host to University of Benin, Nigeria

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

A high level delegation from the University of Benin Nigeria will be visiting the University of Reading from 27-28 March to discuss research and academic collaborations, as part of the University of Reading's internationalisation agenda. This visit follows one made by members of the University's International Office to Nigeria in November 2011.

The University of Benin is one of the most prestigious centres of learning in Nigeria. Their strength in energy and environmental studies, law and management sciences is well recognised in Nigeria and West Africa. Given its location in the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, the University of Benin can play a crucial role in helping to find ways of promoting sustainable resource management and addressing the challenges of mitigating environmental degradation associated with oil exploration. The University of Reading is proud to be one of the leading institutions in the country for research in this area.

One of the key activities during the visit will be an event hosted by the School of Human and Environmental Sciences to showcase the University's unique research in selected areas. Staff from the University will contribute short presentations on the key areas of climate change; renewable energy; environmental management; sustainability and development; law; and business management. The visit provides staff at the University an opportunity to demonstrate some of their world-leading research to an international audience.

Dr Chukwumerije Okereke, Reader in Environment and Development, says "I am delighted that a very strong delegation from University of Benin, including the Vice Chancellor, will be coming to visit Reading and that my School, the School of Human and Environmental Sciences (SHES) have agreed to host the meeting. This demonstrates the commitment of SHES management to the University's internationalisation agenda.

"With its expertise in renewable energy and environmental resource governance, climate change adaptation, business management and law, Reading is well positioned to work very closely with Benin to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world today."

A Symposium on Energy, Climate Change and Environment is currently being planned between University of Reading and University of Benin for September 2012.  This visit in March provides an excellent opportunity to discuss potential projects and funding proposals that would influence the shape of the Symposium later in the year.