Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) International Relations students have paid visits to the United Nations office in Abuja, Yiaga Africa, Yunus Emre Institute and other notable places in Abuja. This was in a successful four-day academic field trip to by students. The exercise, took place from 29th April to 2nd May 2025, was designed to provide students with practical exposure to diplomacy, global governance, and international cooperation.
A total of 42 students and 3 faculty members participated in the field trip. Throughout the visit, students had the opportunity to engage with top institutions, embassies, and international organizations, allowing them to experience the application of theories and concepts discussed in class within real-world settings.
One of the major highlights was the visit to the United Nations Office in Abuja, where students were received by Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, National Information Officer, and Ms. Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu, Senior Human Rights Adviser. Students were engaged in discussions on the United Nations’ structure, its global mission, human rights advocacy, and career opportunities within the system.
At Yiaga Africa, students were received by Head of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Ogbonna Ugorji. The interaction with the students were led by Ibrahim Faruk – Program Coordinator who talked about what Yiaga Africa is doing with focus on the contributions to global governance. Notably, discussions were initiated on establishing a #NotTooYoungToRun Hub at Skyline University Nigeria, with the aim of deepening youth political education and leadership development.
The visit to the Yunus Emre Institute provided a window into the cultural diplomacy efforts of Türkiye. Students explored how soft power is deployed through language, arts, and education. The Director of the Institute, Mr. Musa Erbaş, expressed readiness to collaborate with Skyline University, including plans to explore the establishment of a cultural centre in Kano.
Further enriching the academic aspect of the trip was the engagement at the Ethiopian Embassy, where students received an orientation on Ethiopia’s foreign policy priorities and the country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria. The students were also hosted at the Embassy of Niger, where they were introduced to the key responsibilities of diplomats and the importance of regional cooperation.
At the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development—founded by renowned diplomat Prof. Ibrahim Gambari—students interacted with seasoned foreign service professionals. The Centre expressed interest in continued collaboration with Skyline University, including virtual mentoring sessions and experiential learning initiatives.
In his remarks after the trip, the Head of the Department of International Relations, Mr. Yakubu Elisha Nyam, commended the students for their discipline and active participation throughout the trip. He affirmed that the experience was a milestone in advancing practical learning and equipping students with global competencies in diplomacy and international affairs.
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