Migration Studies Key To Strengthening Diaspora Engagement – Dabiri-Erewa
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has underscored the importance of Migration Studies in strengthening diaspora engagement and enhancing migration governance in Nigeria.
She stated this while receiving the Director, Coordinator, and Master’s students of the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Abuja during a field trip visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Leader of the delegation and Director of the Centre, Dr. Ifunanya Daniels, conveyed greetings from the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja and expressed appreciation to NiDCOM for hosting the students.
According to her, the visit was organised to give the Master’s students practical exposure and hands-on experience in migration governance, in line with what they have been taught in the classroom.
Daniels noted that the Centre for Migration Studies, established four years ago, was set up to deepen research, policy engagement, and academic discourse on migration issues in Nigeria and beyond. She encouraged staff of the Commission to enroll in the programme, describing it as a strong capacity-building platform that would further enhance their professional competence.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Centre, Dr. Peter Adeyanju, reiterated the significance of the field trip in broadening the students’ understanding of migration policy and administration. He disclosed that ten admission slots have been reserved for interested NiDCOM staff and commended those currently enrolled in the programme, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the Commission.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa described the Migration Studies programme as an opportunity to learn, build capacity, and tap into a reservoir of academic knowledge that can strengthen institutional effectiveness.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s readiness to support the Centre and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between academia and government agencies in addressing migration-related challenges.
The NiDCOM boss also gave room for staff of the Commission who are currently students of the Centre to share their experiences, highlighting the importance of continuous learning in enhancing service delivery and diaspora engagement.
The visit further reinforced the existing partnership between NiDCOM and the University of Abuja and demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing structured migration governance in Nigeria.
