An iconic moment for the University of Hull

12 March 2008

The University of Hull is to play host to the 2nd Annual International Conference of Nigerian Students over the weekend of 15 and 16 March 2008.

It is a great honour for the university to be chosen to host this prestigious event and Matthew Hornshaw, of the International Office, faced firm competition from many other UK universities, including Lancaster and Manchester, to ensure Hull was chosen as the venue.

The conference is focused on networking, with sessions covering issues that impact on Nigerian students during their studies or following graduation. Many feel that Nigeria has a negative image; this conference will go some way in addressing this, with students receiving guidance as to how they can positively contribute to their country's reputation.

The event is expected to attract over 150 Nigerian students who are studying all over the UK, from Kent to Aberdeen and Lancaster to Hull. VIP guest speakers include the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, Mr Jason Ivory, Head of Visas, British High Commission Nigeria, and Dr Alimi Abdul Razaq, Federal Commissioner in charge of legal, licensing and enforcement at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, who is also a University of Hull alumnus in Law.

Professor Bill Bruce will be welcoming delegates to the University of Hull and Councillor Carl Minns, Leader of Hull City Council, will greet participants on behalf of the city of Hull. Matthew Hornshaw pointed out, "This is a great honour for Hull to be chosen and it sends a message out that the University of Hull is highly regarded in Nigeria. As such, this places great emphasis on the education and wellbeing of Nigerian students. I have received feedback from other UK universities admiring what we have achieved in terms of Nigeria, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a number of staff from these universities in Hull for the conference checking how we are doing so well!"

It was hoped that Jay Jay Okocha, who plays for Hull City and is a living legend in Nigeria, would be able to attend at some stage during the weekend, but his club commitments have made this impossible. However, Jay Jay gladly signed a t-shirt to be used as a prize at the conference, and Matthew commented, "The man is an absolute hero in his homeland - it seems everyone in Nigeria has heard of Jay Jay. Football is massive in West Africa, bigger than in the UK, and this has helped raise the profile of Hull in Nigeria."