In a significant move to deepen international academic collaboration, The Nigeria Education News reports that Professor Christopher Akinbile, Dean of the School of Infrastructure, Mineral and Manufacturing Engineering (SIMME) at Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has concluded a two-week working visit to University of Zambia. The visit, undertaken in his capacity as a visiting professor, underscores the growing importance of cross-border academic engagement in advancing research, innovation, and institutional development across Africa.
The academic exchange was facilitated under the auspices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), a globally recognized body committed to promoting scientific excellence and capacity building in developing countries. Through this platform, Professor Akinbile engaged with scholars, researchers, and academic leaders, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaborative research that cuts across national boundaries.
During the visit, Professor Akinbile held high-level discussions with Dr. Charles Kahanji, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Zambia. According to sources who spoke with The Nigeria Education News, their deliberations focused on strengthening departmental cooperation, joint research initiatives, and staff exchange programmes. “Our discussions were centered on practical ways to align research priorities with global sustainability goals,” Akinbile was quoted as saying during one of the sessions.
The FUTA Dean also met with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Professor Mundia Muya, where he conveyed the goodwill of FUTA’s leadership, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji. In his remarks, Akinbile emphasized FUTA’s readiness to sustain meaningful academic relationships. “We are committed to partnerships that will enhance research productivity, staff development, and global relevance of our institutions,” he stated.
Academic staff at the University of Zambia described the visit as both timely and impactful. A senior lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted, “Engagements like this bring fresh perspectives into our system. It is not just about collaboration on paper; it is about real intellectual exchange that benefits both institutions.” The lecturer added that the presence of a TWAS-backed visiting professor elevated the scope of discussions.
Students were not left out of the engagement, as several interactive sessions were held during the visit. A postgraduate engineering student told The Nigeria Education News, “It was inspiring to interact with a professor from Nigeria who has extensive experience in infrastructure and environmental systems. His insights on research applications in Africa were particularly enlightening.” Another student added that such visits expose them to broader academic and professional possibilities beyond their immediate environment.
The visit also highlighted Professor Akinbile’s role as a UNESCO-TWAS Visiting Professor to the Department of Engineering at the University of Zambia, a position that reflects his international academic standing and contributions to engineering research. Through this role, he is expected to continue mentoring students, supporting research development, and fostering institutional linkages between African universities.
As the two-week academic engagement comes to a close, stakeholders believe the outcomes will extend far beyond the duration of the visit. With renewed commitments to collaboration between Federal University of Technology Akure and University of Zambia, the initiative stands as a testament to the power of international partnerships in shaping the future of higher education across the continent.
