The Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of Nigeria (HKSAN), in partnership with Slum2School Africa, hosted a vibrant farewell dinner in Lagos to honour Professor Zoe Marks and the delegation from the Harvard Centre for African Studies (HCAS). The event, held at the Slum2School Innovation Hub in Lekki, marked the culmination of a week of academic and cultural engagements across Nigeria.
The dinner brought together Harvard alumni from Kennedy, Law, and Business Schools, HCAS representatives, the University of Lagos African Centre delegation led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, and students from Slum2School Africa. The gathering highlighted the growing collaboration between African institutions and Harvard University, reinforcing shared commitments to education and development across the continent.
Professor Marks, a Harvard Kennedy School faculty member and Oppenheimer Faculty Director at HCAS, addressed the attendees, emphasising the role of alumni in building cross-continental partnerships. She said: “Alumni engagement is critical for shaping Harvard’s work in Africa. Together, we can build a collaborative community that advances research, innovation, and leadership on the continent.”
The dinner followed a week of strategic events, including academic exchanges, cultural showcases, and the Folorunso Alakija Distinguished Annual Lecture and Gala, which convened leaders from academia, government, and the private sector. The Lagos program aimed to strengthen connections between Harvard, Nigerian universities, and local initiatives such as Slum2School Africa.
The evening opened with cultural performances in five Nigerian and African tribal languages, showcasing the talents of young scholars, including Jennifer Williams, Promise Okeke, Balikis, and Motunrayo Idowu. Hosts Divine Ibrahim (19) and Charles Usa (20), pioneer Slum2School scholars, guided the proceedings, blending celebration with reflection.
Alumni speakers reaffirmed the value of sustained engagement and partnerships. Paul Orajiaka (HKS ’17), representing the HKS Alumni Association of Nigeria president, highlighted the association’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities. Others, including Kunmi Adio-Moses, Tayo Olosunde, Professor Joe Attueyi, Rabi Isma, and Dr. Aderomola Adeola, emphasised alumni contributions in bridging global opportunities for African scholars and institutions.
Orondaam Otto, Founder of Slum2School Africa and HKS Alumni Board member, reflected on the collective impact of alumni leadership, noting contributions from figures such as Gov. Yemi Cardoso, Olu Verheijen, Adaora Ugwu-Ndukwu, Uche Pedro, Jemimah Jatau, and Abosede George-Ogan. He expressed gratitude to HCAS, University of Lagos representatives, and the Slum2School team for facilitating a memorable evening.
The dinner concluded with gift exchanges and group photographs, encapsulating the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared vision that defined the week-long engagement.
The event underscored how education diplomacy and alumni networks can foster leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration across Africa, setting a precedent for future engagements between global universities and local institutions.
