On April 17, 2024, Dr. Angela Adamu, a guest lecturer of the Balatskyi Department of Management O., held an open lecture for students and faculty of Sumy State University on the topic: "Intercultural communications: the context and experience of West Africa. Nigeria as a case study for ways to develop mutual understanding and successful partnerships”. The lecture was organized and moderated by Tetyana Mayboroda, Associate Professor of the department, Deputy head of the International Affairs Department of Sumy State University, within the discipline "Development of Intercultural Competences and Intercultural Communications" (the discipline was developed and taught within the framework of the Jean Monet grant project "Educational Agenda for Intercultural City Development")

More than 50 participants - Ukrainian, Chinese and Ghanaian students, as well as university teachers - joined the open lecture. Dr. Angela shared insights and features of culture in West Africa and in particular Nigeria, the importance of dress code, behavior, religion, verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as prerequisites for successful intercultural communication. The lecturers shared their own story of meeting and establishing friendships and partnerships, which took place back in 2019, as a vivid case that openness and sincerity are the key and basis for intercultural cooperation and relationships. The topic of intercultural communications is extremely important in students’ competencies development, so the exchange of intercultural experience and knowledge with students for the development of global competencies, such as intercultural sensitivity and intelligence, openness, respect for others, is so relevant and necessary today. Learning about the intercultural features of West Africa and Nigeria - that was a truly exciting journey for all participants! Thank you to Ms. Angela Adamu and everyone who joined the meeting!