The Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-AFRICA) and Miva Open University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in knowledge, innovation and policy impact across Africa.

The event, held yesterday in Abuja, was part of activities marking the 2025 United Nations World Development Information Day under the theme “Information for Development: Bridging Knowledge and Action in Africa.”

The ceremony attracted participants from academia, the public and private sectors, policymakers, students and members of the public. It marked a bold commitment by both institutions to deepen research, innovation, capacity building and policy engagement across the continent.

Presenting the World Development Report (WDR) 2025 virtually, the President of ERGAF-AFRICA, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, said the report highlights the centrality of standards as key drivers of sustainable development.

He explained that the taxonomy of standards—moving from absence or weak standards to adoption and ultimately to authorship—provides a pathway for national progress.

Drawing parallels with Africa’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Okereke stressed that “He who owns the standards owns the market,” urging African governments to translate SDG targets into measurable standards and invest in robust standards governance systems.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Professor Tayo Arulogun, commended ERGAF-AFRICA’s knowledge-driven approach to development. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering partnerships that merge data, information and policy for societal advancement.

Similarly, the Head of Department of Public Policy and Administration, Professor Sam Oni, described evidence-based policymaking as the bedrock of effective governance, noting that reliable data and information remain indispensable for inclusive development.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs Jennifer Okereke, a member of the ERGAF-AFRICA Board of Trustees, described the partnership as a historic and welcome development. She lauded Miva Open University for its excellence in research, innovation and technology-driven learning, saying the collaboration represents a shared vision to use education, research and technology as tools for societal transformation.

The highlight of the event was the formal signing of the MoU. Professor Arulogun, supported by Professor Oni, signed on behalf of Miva Open University, while Mrs Obidiya Jennifer Okereke signed for the Board and Management of ERGAF-AFRICA, assisted by Mr Raphael Tarbo, Senior Data Analyst; Precious Chidokwe; and Jennifer Luke.

Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate in several key areas, including capacity building and professional development; joint research, learning and innovation using data and technology; and the organisation of conferences, workshops, mentorship and fellowship programmes.

It includes policy engagement and advocacy to bridge knowledge and action gaps; strengthening grassroots participation in governance; and providing technical support for legislative and governance institutions.