Russian Ambassador Calls For Stronger Academic Ties With UNILAG

Russian Federation Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Dodeleshev has stressed the need for the leadership of University of Lagos to take full advantage of the expanded opportunities between the two countries to strengthen the existing academic ties 

The Ambassador accompanied by his wife Madam Dodeleshev, made the call during a visit to the university's Vice-Chancellor , Professor Folasade  Ogunsola, saying Russia had widened its commitment to Nigeria by signing agreements with Kaduna, Abia, and Niger States, and holding discussions with the Lagos State Government

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic collaboration, promote staff and student exchanges, and expand scholarship opportunities between both countries through their educational institutions.

Ambassador Dodeleshev underscored the relevance of strengthening academic ties with the University of Lagos, describing the collaboration as beneficial to both countries.

The Ambassador also provided insight into the Russian-African Network University (RAFU): a unified platform designed to foster and coordinate academic, scientific, and educational partnership between Russian and African institutions. 

According to him, RAFU aims to build a shared educational and scientific space that guarantees equal access to resources for all participating universities.

In her response, Professor Ogunsola expressed appreciation for the visit and highlighted challenges that have hindered UNILAG’s full engagement with Russia’s exchange initiatives.

 She explained that 15 students applied for the one-year immersion programme last year, yet none could participate because of the high cost of airfare; an expense beyond the reach of most families in the current economic climate.

To address this, she called for enhanced scholarship provisions, particularly those that would cover travel costs and make the programme more accessible. 

Professor Ogunsola further revealed that UNILAG had restructured its approach by shifting from a narrow Russian language immersion model to a broader Russian Studies programme that encompasses language, culture, politics, history, and people as a more sustainable and enriching academic pathway.

The Vice-Chancellor who acknowledged the value of sending Nigerian students abroad, emphasized the importance of reciprocity, expressing hope that Russian students would also come to Nigeria. 

Doing this according to her, will help counter persistent negative stereotypes by exposing international learners to the depth, diversity, and richness of Nigerian society.

She urged the Mission to consider this as a vital component of the evolving partnership, noting that positive perception change begins with direct cultural and academic exchange

Also on hand to receive the Russian envoy were members of the University Management team, senior departmental members from European Languages, led by the Acting Head of Department, Dr. John Faloju, as well as Mrs. Zoya Ogundowole, wife of renowned UNILAG Professor of Philosophy, Professor Ezekiel Kolawole Ogundowole.