The statement reads in part "Osun State University's Director of Global Affairs and Sustainable Development Institute (GASDI), Professor John Agbonifo and the Director of the Office of Research and Innovation Management (ORIM), Professor Olukoya Ogen have formed a research consortium with Professor Jean-Marc Trouille of Bradford University, to carry out a research project titled 'The European Union and Africa in a Multi Crises World.' This project is funded by the ERASMUS-JMO-2023-NETWORKS-HEI-NON-EU-AFRICA to the tune of €7,800,000. Professor Agbonifo is a key facilitator of the project, while Professor Ogen is the Project Financial Signatory."
Speaking on the grant, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor 'Ayo Clement Adebooye, stated "It is part of my mission statement when I applied for this job to encourage and proliferate research works amongst the University staff in order to proffer solutions to global problems. I am happy that this is gradually being fulfilled, and this year alone, we have won over 2 million dollars in grant. In total, therefore, UNIOSUN has raked in a total of US$12 million in 2023 alone. We are proud of our researchers. This latest grant is another milestone in our research and global visibility agenda. I believe that in the not-too-distant-future, we would be among universities with the highest grants won in this part of the world.
"AfriquEurope is the largest Jean Monnet network of its kind, and the largest academic network in terms of its number of participating institutions and the number of countries represented across Africa and Europe. It will also provide a framework for a unique cooperation between universities and think-tanks on matters relevant to Africans and Europeans."
The aim of the 'AfriquEurope' Network is to support the EU's effort to recalibrate its partnership with Africa, whilst advocating closer cooperation between the two continents.
"On behalf of Senate, Management, Staff and Students of the University, I felicitate Professor Agbonifo and Professor Ogen on this enviable feat," the Vice-Chancellor added.