Speeches

Ambassador Campbell
Remarks
Signing Ceremony: Sokoto American Corner

Thursday, October 13, 2005
Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto

. Protocols
· Vice Chancellor
· Professor Bande
· Other distinguished guests

All protocols observed.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am delighted to welcome you all.

The Memorandum of Understanding that we are signing today is the first step in establishing an American Corner at Usmanu Dan Fodio University.

In doing so, it is our wish to extend and consolidate our partnership with the people of the great state of Sokoto.

There are over 200 American Corners throughout the world.

The ten located in Nigeria are in Abuja, Bauchi, Jos, Kaduna and Kano in the north, and, Abeokuta, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan and Port Harcourt in the south.

The American Corner in Sokoto will be the eleventh.

And a twelfth will follow in Maiduguri.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the United States, study at U.S. universities, do business with American companies, or contact their colleagues and counterparts in the United States can do so at an American Corner.

Our goal is to provide a balanced representation of the United States.

Simply put: People need to know what Americans are all about and the American Corner is designed to do just that.

I am pleased to share with you that the American Corner in this library will be free and open to everyone--students, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, government officials, and ordinary citizens.

The public will have access to a wide range of information, not only for purposes of research but also for what we call "purposes of action."

For example:

1) Scholars can read the collected works of some of America's greatest writers and political thinkers.

2) Students can learn about opportunities for study in the United States.

3) NGO leaders can find colleagues in the United States with shared interests and shared challenges.

4) Embassy officials and other U.S. representatives will serve as speakers, guests, and participants at the American Corner educational and cultural events.

5) Americans and alumni of US programs will be able to meet and conduct activities on American themes.

There are just a few of the uses. I could go on and on.

As you can see the American Corner is much more than a collection of materials.

It is a common ground for dialogue and mutual understanding.

The Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today represents a partnership.

For, it spells out the responsibilities of both partners - the Embassy and the University -- to this project.

Each partner agrees to participate jointly in the American Corners program.

Each has specific obligations and responsibilities under the terms of the Memorandum.

But of course, the Memorandum of Understanding is only the first step in establishing this American Corner.

For our part, I am happy to say that all the initial materials have been ordered. These include:

1) A collection of videos, and CD-ROMs,

2) The Library of America collection, which is an impressive set of more than 100 of America's best works.

3) Reference books to provide basic U.S. information,

4) Non-fiction books on a wide range of topics and reflecting a wide range of opinions, and,

5) And other books strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

The University will provide not only the space for this corner but the staff as well.

And when the materials arrive, the Embassy's Public Affairs section will work closely with the Nigerians who will staff and manage the Corner.

We will provide training and assistance in answering questions about the United States and in organizing programs.

As a result of this important partnership, our hope is that the Usmanu Dan Fodio University American Corner will serve as an asset to the people of Sokoto.

Thank you.

 
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