Ambassador of Nigeria Pays Courtesy Visit to KIU, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

By Hattie Wright

Her Excellency Misitura Abdulraheem, Ambassador of Nigeria to Uganda and Head of Mission, together with Haneefah Adamu, Consular Officer and First Secretary, paid a courtesy visit to Kampala International University (KIU) Main Campus on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, Vice Chancellor of KIU, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its continued cooperation with the university. He noted that Nigerian nationals form one of the largest communities at KIU, contributing significantly to academic excellence and institutional growth.

Her Excellency Ambassador Abdulraheem thanked KIU for hosting her on short notice, stressing the importance of citizen diplomacy. She praised the university’s infrastructure, saying, “I am impressed with the structures that the University has; you can almost equate it to Europe.” She further noted that Nigerians in Uganda benefit from cultural exchange and bilateral agreements in the education sector, promising stronger collaboration with KIU.

Dr. Joseph Ekpang, President of the Nigerian Community at KIU, emphasized that Nigerians see the university as “a place they call home,” highlighting the positive impact of KIU’s system on their professional ethics and work culture.

Dr. Mundu Mustafa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), appreciated the collaboration between Uganda and Nigeria, noting that KIU has graduated Nigerians at degree, master’s, and PhD levels. He added that Nigerian expertise has greatly enriched the university’s academic processes.

Dr. Asiati Mbabazi, University Secretary, commended Nigeria for its efficient and productive collaboration with KIU, while highlighting the ongoing need for expatriate specialists in key areas at the KIU Teaching Hospital, especially in ENT surgery, orthopedics, and other critical specializations.

Prof. Regina Ejemot Nwadiaro, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension), affirmed that KIU’s teaching hospital provides opportunities for Nigerian professionals to contribute meaningfully. Dr. Jacob Ashibi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), echoed this, commending KIU’s transparency and fairness in offering equal opportunities.

Other senior administrators, including Christine Ainebyoona, Deputy University Secretary and Campus Administrator (Main Campus) and Shawn Kimuli, Public Relations highlighted Nigeria’s strong presence at KIU and requested further appointments of Nigerian experts in specialized fields such as surgery, pathology, and emergency medicine.

Concluding the visit, Prof. Ngoma expressed optimism for deeper collaboration between KIU and Nigeria, particularly in the education sector, reaffirming KIU’s mission of “Exploring the Heights.”

The courtesy visit by the Nigerian Ambassador strengthened the bond between KIU and Nigeria, reaffirming the university’s role as a hub for international cooperation and academic excellence.

With Nigerians forming one of the largest communities at KIU, the partnership continues to enrich both nations through shared expertise, cultural exchange, and educational advancement. The visit underscored KIU’s commitment to nurturing global citizens and fostering collaborations that drive innovation, inclusivity, and growth in higher education.