Polish Envoy moves to revive linkage between ABU and Silesia varsity
Polish Ambassador to Nigeria Michal Cygan has moved to revive the academic linkage between Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Silesia, Poland.
In 2009, both institutions signed an agreement of cooperation in the areas of renewable energy and other related disciplines.
The academic linkage, titled “Save Nigerian Savanna: Geothermal Energy As An Alternative To The Firewood”, had been on for 11 years with 13 Doctoral and Masters students from Ahmadu Bello University benefited.
Equally, University of Silesia’s Dr Ewan Kurowska was in ABU’s Department of Geology on contract basis from 2009 to 2013. Also, Dr Zbigniew Perky and Dr Justyna Ciesielezuk all from the Polish institution were in the Geology Department for two weeks in 2009.
The collaboration collapsed with the death on 4th September, 2020 of the representative of the Polish university, Prof Krzysztof Schoeneich, who was teaching for many years at the Department of Geology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The decision by the Polish Embassy to resuscitate the academic collaboration between the two universities followed a visit to the Embassy by a high-level delegation from Ahmadu Bello University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kabiru Bala.
The Vice-Chancellor briefed the Envoy on the impact of the relationship between ABU and the Polish university through the linkage programme.
Prof Bala told the Polish Envoy that the academic collaboration collapsed following the death of Prof Krzysztof Schoeneich who had been teaching and conducting research at ABU Department of Geology for several years.
The Vice-Chancellor, who used the opportunity of the visit to condole with the Envoy over the demise of Prof Schoeneich, said ABU had not withdrawn from the academic linkage and urged the Ambassador to intervene for its resuscitation in the interest of both institutions.
The Envoy was excited to know about the academic ties between Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Silesia and pledged to liaise with the Polish institution to further discuss the revival of the linkage.
Those on the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage at the Polish Embassy, included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Advancement, Prof Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi; and Head of Department of Geology, Prof Jamidu Ibrahim.
Others were Prof Boyi Jimoh, Department of Electrical Engineering; and Head of Bulk Metering, Engr Dahiru Dalhat.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (NAM)
Friday, 7th March, 2025
