Varsity

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka, on Wednesday inaugurated an International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research to  build the capacity of Nigerians in regional integration and trade.

It was christened Professor Ngozi Eunice Egbuna International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research.

The centre was initiated by Prof. Egbuna, immediate past Director- General of West Africa Monetary Institute, Accra.

Vice-Chancellor of UniZik, Prof. Charles Esimone, said at the inauguration that trade between nations remained an important element in the political economy of nations and relationship between them.

He noted that regional integration and cooperation between nations on a broad range of issues could hold the ace to peace, stability and the creation of wealth.

In her address, Prof. Egbuna said Nigeria, being a major member state of ECOWAS needed to understand the dynamics of regional integration and trade.

She stressed that multinational trade was important to manufacturing, regional integration, peace and wealth creation.

“At this centre, people will be trained to do things in a formal manner. Those trained will get certificates to advance regional integration,’’ she said.

Egbuna explained that proposed programmes at the centre included Post-Graduate degree course in Regional Integration and Trade, Advanced Trade Analysis course, Regional Integration and Trade Performance and other short-term courses.

Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnemeka Achebe, who was present at the inauguration, pledged the support of his subjects to the full operation of the centre.