The British Deputy High Commisioner to Nigeria, Mr Ben LIewellyn-Jones, on Friday visited Dominican University (DU) as part of the effort to foster partnership between the British government and the Nigerian government.
Liewellyn-Jones paid a visit to the citadel of learning to see the Dominican Chapel which is said to have been in existence for 50 years.
The Dominican Chapel which was designed by Architect Demas Nwoko to have one source of light that would come from the sky, first bathes the central crucifix before illuminating the rest of the chapel.
Upon his arrival, Liewellyn-Jones proceeded to the office of the Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi, who welcomed him and his envoy.
VC briefed the august visitors on the uniqueness of the citadel of learning which he urged them to tour round university to have a feel of the serenity and the conducive environment for learning.
The Deputy High Commissioner said his visit to the chapel was amazing, noting that the designs, as part of the elements depict African history, bring people closer to God.
In his words; ‘’We encourage higher education institutions across Nigeria, it’s pretty important. I am sure this university is thriving to grow from strength to strength. I think this is the second year of complete convocation of the school. We encourage partnership between UK and Nigeria, most especially on higher education.’’
“We will keep in touch with DU to see possibility of long term partnership between UK and Nigeria education, we encourage many students come to UK and study."
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Francis Chiadi OP Chairman, Senate Ceremonies Committee who spoke to the High Commissioner about the school, also invited him to her first and second convocation ceremony which is to hold between 9-11 December 2022.
According to Rev. Fr. Francis Chiadi, "In view is our convocation, the university will be beginning and to run the full cycle after matriculation. We have run a full cycle for two sets, we are combining the convocation for the first and second set that will take place soon, and we will like you to grace the event.’’
Chiadi said the university offers courses like Economics, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Philosophy, Marketing, Business Administration and Philosophy.
While touring round the Dominican Chapel, Rev. Fr. Francis said the chapel is a community church and all the designs are symbolic, especially the reference to the twelve pillars that represents the twelve disciples of Christ; most of the designs were made of woods and metal.
He noted that Rome and Nigeria are planning to hold a conference on the 28th January 2023, to celebrate 700 years of Thamos Acquinas.
Also on the delegation team of the British Mission are Kirs Camponi-Head of Prosperity, Bristish Deputy High Commission and Wale Adebajo -Senior Political Adviser, British Deputy High Commission