The Bayelsa State Government on Saturday in Yenagoa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Global Education Counseling Limited, Cyprus, for the commencement of academic activities at the University of Africa (UNIAFRICA), Toru Orua, Sagbama LGA.

The institution’s Director, Theo Theodorou, at a ceremony held in Government House, lauded the initiative of Governor Seriake Dickson, aimed at repositioning the education sector, noting that, it is one of the best not only in Nigeria, but in the entire continent as a whole.

Theodorou, who has been in Nigeria for over 17 years, said the establishment of University of Africa, the first of its kind in Nigeria, would discourage parents from sending their children abroad for studies.

He said: “I have seen over the years, thousands of Nigerians, sending their children abroad for studies. This idea must be stopped. Let us educate our children in Nigeria.”

While assuring the government of the readiness of his organisation to make University of Africa one of the best in the world, Theodorou said necessary facilities would be put in place to achieve this feat.

Theodorou said that the School of Foundation studies, an arm of the institution that would prepare the prospective students for various degrees would start in January, 2017.

“The proposed School of Foundation Studies, in terms of standard will be the first of its kind in the Country. The partnership will assist the governor to achieve its lofty ambition. I have links with over 120 countries and this link will be developed to assist the State,” Theodorou stated.

In his response, Dickson pledged his administration’s commitment to the agreement signed, adding that, his administration is poised to do everything within the ambit of the law, to reposition the education sector.

He said: “Our aim of establishing the University of Africa is to make it one of the best in the World. We believe that we can deliver. We want Bayelsa to be centre of excellence. With the establishment of the School of Foundation, there is no need of sending our children to far way.”

•Photo shows UNIAFRICA Director Theo Theodorou and Governor Dickson at the UNIAFRICA MoU-signing ceremony held in Government House, Yenegoa . . . Saturday.

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