Building Bridges in Tertiary Education: Nigeria Canada Relations
(Panel Presentation)
Date: Friday May 13, 2016
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Physics Building, Room 103
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Universities are global centers for knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge application.
These core functions are carried out through research, teaching and service. Today’s globalized world calls
for universities to build partnerships both nationally and internationally, with government organizations,
NGOS, industry and other institutions. In building these partnerships, we strive to incorporate experience
sharing; mobility opportunities; collaborations on teaching research and learning; sharing best practice
and building mutually beneficial relations.
This panel presentation emphasizes Building Bridges and will further the dialogue on strengthening
relations between Nigeria and Canada for the mutual benefit of both countries in tertiary education. It is
open and welcoming. We encourage you to contribute to the dialogue by sharing your experiences,
expectations and offer innovative approaches and recommendations.
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The University of Saskatchewan is delighted to host the University of Lagos from May 11-13, 2016. Please
join us in welcoming the following University of Lagos delegates who will be present and introduced at
this Panel Presentation:
President Rahamon Bello
Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Chemical Engineering
Professor Akindele Babatunde Oyebode
Chairman, Office of International Relations, Prospects and Partnerships and Professor of Law
Professor Solomon Oladele Akinboye
Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies & Professor of Political Sciences
Professor Samuel Iyiola Oni
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Professor of Geography
Dr. Olufunlayo Olaotan Bammeke
Acting Head, Department of Sociology
Building Bridges in Tertiary Education: Nigeria Canada Relations
Friday May 13, 2016
Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Diane Martz
Director, International Research and Partnerships, International Office, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Diane Martz is the Director, International Research and Partnerships in the International Office at
the University of Saskatchewan, a position she has held since July 1, 2014. Diane held the position of
Director, Research Ethics for the University of Saskatchewan from August, 2007 to Dec 1, 2014. She was
Vice President of the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards from 2011-2014, receiving the
President’s Award in 2012 for her work in harmonizing research ethics review in Canada.. She was
Director of the Centre for Rural Studies and Enrichment from 1997 to 2007. Diane was also a research
faculty member with the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) from
2007 to 2015 and has extensive experience working on large research teams and in community based
research focused on the social, economic and cultural dimensions of rural health.
Panelist Moderator
Ms. Megan Fillatre
International Partnerships Specialist (Americas, Europe & Africa)
Megan Fillatre is the International agreements and delegation specialist for the Americas, Europe and
Africa. She takes a leadership role in developing, finalizing and renewing international agreements while
ensuring that they comply with university policies, procedures and priorities. She also facilitates
international delegations to the University of Saskatchewan, showcases the university and provides
advice and support for missions abroad.
Panelists
Mr. Hakeem Shokoya
PhD candidate, Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan
Hakeem Shokoya is a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan. He
obtained his BA and MA in Sociology at the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1991 and 1996 respectively. He
taught Sociology at Lagos State University between 2004 and 2006 and University of Lagos from May 2006
to April 2013. He has also taught Sociology at Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada. His research
interests are in development studies, industrial sociology, workplace relations, state, union relations and
democratization. His work experience cut across government, not-for-profit, consulting and private
sector.
Ms. Valeria Umaefulam
PhD candidate, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan
Valerie Umaefulam is presently in the PhD program in the Department of Community Health and
Epidemiology at University of Saskatchewan. She is an Optometrist and obtained her Doctor of Optometry
degree from Abia State University, Nigeria and also obtained her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from
University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Her main areas of expertise are community eye health
and electronic health, with emphasis on mobile and telehealth for health promotion, education and
remote care particularly for remote and hard to reach communities.
Building Bridges in Tertiary Education: Nigeria Canada Relations
Friday May 13, 2016
Ms. Rahina Zarma
LLM student, University of Saskatchewan
Rahina Zarma is a graduate student at the college of law, where she is pursuing her masters in law. She
currently serves as a teaching assistant and a research assistant at the college, while researching into
environmental pollution, oil and gas exploration and state responsibility. She has been called to the
Nigerian Bar and currently works as a refugee officer at the Nigerian Refugee Commission.
Undergraduate Student
To be confirmed
Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu
Associate Professor, College of Law, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu is a professor in the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan and an alumna
from the University of Lagos.
Mr. Derek Tannis
Manager of the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC), University of Saskatchewan
Derek Tannis is Manager of the International Student and Study Abroad Centre at the University of
Saskatchewan. He is working towards his PhD in Educational Policy Studies at the University of
Saskatchewan. He has over 20 years’ experience in international education, including student affairs,
global citizenship education, and English language education. He is deeply committed to inclusion,
social justice, and student development in post-secondary education.
Open Forum
We welcome questions, experiences and dialogue.
Building Bridges in Tertiary Education: Nigeria Canada Relations
Friday May 13, 2016