NUC Sends 22 Lecturers to Texas for 'Ageing' Programmes

The National Universities Commission (NUC) is to send 22 lecturers and two of its staff to Texas, United States of America to study basic techniques for teaching Gerontology (scientific study of ageing and its effect), the executive secretary of the commission, Professor Julius Okogie has said.

Professor Okogie, who made the disclosure during an interactive session with the beneficiaries, said the dons were selected from 11 Nigerian universities including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Lagos, University of Jos and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife among others.

Represented by the commission's Director, Academic Standard, Professor Lawal Alhassan Bichi, Okogei said the visit of the lecturers to Texas will cost the commission the sum of N86 million.

He explained that Nigeria would commence gerontology programmes in its universities, hence the need to sponsor some lecturers to study basic techniques on how gerontology is being tought in the American universities.

He added that the commission is introducing the programme in the Nigerian universities to promote the culture of taking care of aged people. He also noted that the programme will help in reducing vices among the aged.

One of the beneficiaries, Professor Rotgak Gofwen of the University of Jos, commended the commission for the gesture and called on the NUC to ensure that the sponsored lecturers will not face any embarrassment during their stay in Texas.