The Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Nasarawa State University on migration studies in Keffi .
By Jacinta Nwachukwu
National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) to establish a centre to address migration issues.
Addressing journalists in Keffi, the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed explained that the principal purpose of the MoU was to establish an International Centre of Excellence for Migration and Humanitarian Development Studies (ICEMIDS).
Ahmed said that the Centre would be a vehicular instrument for facilitating strategic collaboration between the Parties in the areas of common interests by way of developing sustainable programmes.
“And supporting research in migration, refugees and humanitarian development studies,” he said.
He further added that the objective of the Centre was to Promote rigorous, interdisciplinary research.
“Both parties having recognised that comprehensive solutions to contemporary challenges require insights from multiple disciplines, commit to promoting interdisciplinary research within ICEMIDS.
“By exploring the intersections and tensions between human rights and humanitarianism, ICEMIDS aims to inform evidence-based policy-making and interventions,” Ahmed said.
Similarly, Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, Vice Chancellor Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said the school would redefine the education and training of future humanitarian and human rights professionals within ICEMIDS.
Mohammed said that through innovative pedagogical approaches and experiential learning opportunities, students would be equipped with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to address real-world challenges effectively.
“The NCFRMI and NSUK shall collaborate to facilitate engaging programming such as seminars, workshops, Migration Camps, awareness and Advocacy projects, e.t.c that involves faculty, students, alumni, visiting scholars, and practitioners from diverse communities worldwide.
“By providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ICEMIDS aims to foster dialogue, critical thinking, and innovative solutions to migration and humanitarian issues,” he said.
Both parties agree to support research in migration, refugees, and humanitarian development studies within ICEMIDS. The research interests shall be guided by thematic areas outlined below;
Migration: Policies, Governance and Human Rights; Education, Brain Drain, Brain Gain and Circulation; Labour, Employment and Remittances; Irregular Migration, Human Trafficking and Smuggling.
Others were Women, Children and Youth Migration, Health, Environment and Climate Change; Diaspora; Forced Migration: IDPs, Refugees and Asylum Seekers; Reintegration: Return, Readmission and Reintegration among others.
The National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons is an agency of the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of Providing protection, durable solutions, and managing the affairs of Persons of Concern
These Persons of concern were IDPs, Refugees, Migrants, Stateless Persons, Returnees, and Asylum Seekers.(NAN)