Nigeria Public Affairs Program is a collaboration with Missouri State University (MSU), University of Nigeria (UNN), and the Center for Academic and Vocational Training for Special Need Children, Nsukka, Nigeria (CAVTSN) to improve and develop resources in Special Education, Disability Studies, and Cross-Cultural competencies at these institutions. Dr. Vicky Onu, Special Education Professor at UNN, is lead organizer for the Nigerian Professional Education participants. The main goals of this program are: to increase Missouri State University’s partnerships with Africa and thereby increase campus wide cultural competency; to increase understanding of Special Education’s status within the global context through sharing resources and knowledge; and to promote Disability Studies as a forum for developing global cultural knowledge. The program schedule is September 17 through October 7, 2014 with 8 Nigerian Professional Educators visiting Missouri State University campus. These educators include 3 UNN Special Ed faculty, 2 PK-3 Special Education teachers, 1 Nsukka, Nigeria Local Government Area Social Welfare Officer/Special Ed Supervisor, and 2 K-12 school administrators). The Nigerian Professional Educators will collaborate with MSU faculty and the regional community by attending and presenting workshops, panels, roundtables, course guest lectures, classroom and other special education site observations. Missouri State University sponsors and key participants include the Provost Office, International Services, the Division for Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Studies Committee, College of Humanities and Public Affairs, COE Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education (CLSE), CHPA History Department, and a range of faculty in International, African and African-American, and Disability Studies related fields. Some community participants include Evangel University, Springfield Public Schools, School for the Deaf – Fulton, MO, University of Kansas, and the Mid-America Association for African Studies. The long term goal is to develop a partnership with the University of Nigeria for faculty and post graduate student engagement that strengthens international public affairs and capacity building in International or Global Studies, Disability Studies, Special Education, and other related fields.
The two public events are:
“Shattering Silences Series: Nigerian Cultural Connections”
This presentation is part of the Nigeria Public Affairs Program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Section, Abuja, Nigeria, and Missouri State University Provost Office and Division for Diversity & Inclusion. “Shattering Silences: Nigerian Cultural Connections” is a presentation by a Nigeria Scholars Delegation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka designed to share Nigeria’s cultural diversity with Missouri State University campus and the greater community. Come participate in cultural exchange and learn about Nigeria’s rich culturally diverse heritage. This event is free and open to the public. Food is served at this event, so your registration is required to ensure adequate food service.
Friday, September 26, 2014, PSU, Parliamentary RM 313, 4:00 – 6:30 PM. It is free and open to the public. This event is listed under FCTL.
“Shattering Silences Series: International Disability Studies: Building Community”
This panel is part of the Nigeria Public Affairs Program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Section, Abuja, Nigeria, and Missouri State University, Provost Office and Division for Diversity & Inclusion. “Shattering Silences: International Disability Studies: Building Community” focuses on the experiences of Nigerian students with disabilities and their backgrounds, expectations, and challenges. This panel discussion is a peak into some international faculty and student perspectives and issues related to disability studies. This event is free and open to the public. It is also listed on the Master Advisor calendar. Even if you are not attending this event for Master Advisor credit, please register with FCTL to attend. Food is served at this event.
Monday, September 29, 2014, PSU Parliamentary RM 313, 1:30 – 3:00 PM. This event is listed under FCTL and under Master Advisory Sessions.
For more information, contact Dr. Jamaine Abidogun, professor, History Department or Dr. Steve Willis, Diversity Fellow.