Cavista Holdings has partnered with the University of Texas at Dallas to establish a liaison office in Lagos.
A statement by the firm said the initiative aims to support African students aspiring to study abroad by streamlining the admission process and providing access to quality education.
“The partnership was announced during the unveiling of the University of Texas at Dallas office in Ilupeju, Lagos, which was attended by several eminent Nigerians and Americans, such as the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the US Consul General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, MD Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, amongst others,’ it read.
Speaking at the unveiling, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr John Olajide, said the main objective of the office was to facilitate access to quality education for Nigerians by simplifying the admission process to UTD.
Olajide, an alumnus of UTD, reflected on the university’s significant role in his educational journey and professional success.
“I am thrilled about the opportunities this new office will create for millions of young people in Nigeria and across Africa who are seeking quality education.
“The office will help build strong relationships, attract top students, and ensure that their time at UTD is enriched with friendships and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
Reflecting on his career, Olajide acknowledged UTD’s pivotal role in shaping his success in healthcare technology and various industries in Nigeria, including technology, agriculture, and hospitality.
Olajide noted that the decision to partner with UTD was driven by the need to develop a pipeline of talent that would contribute to Nigeria’s future.
He expressed confidence that attracting Nigeria and Africa’s brightest young minds to UTD would enhance the university’s reputation, already recognised as one of the top engineering schools in the United States.
In his speech, the UTD President, Richard Benson expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in making the partnership possible, particularly John Olajide.
“UT Dallas is a top-tier research university that attracts students and faculty from around the globe. During the 2023-2024 academic year, about one in every five students who enrolled came from countries other than the United States.
We have made a concerted effort to provide an education open to students from around the world. The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community, prepared for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.”
The team lead from the University of Texas at Dallas, John Gonzalez,explained that the office aimed to create a hub for collaboration among scholars and researchers from UTD and Nigeria.
“We are excited about the opportunities this office will create for Nigerians and Africans in general. It will harness the abundant talents of youths for development in Nigeria,” Gonzalez said.
Provost of UTD, Inga Musselman, listed the institution’s diverse academic programs, which include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees across seven faculties.
“Our schools of humanities, technology, and art offer a combination of STEM-focused learning,” Musselman said.
Speaking after the launch, United States Consul General in Nigeria, Mr Will Stevens, , described the establishment of the office as a natural progression in the relationship between the USA and Nigeria.
