In a bid to expand the relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom with regards to higher education, Nigeria will be hosting the 2024 Going Global Conference focused on fostering cross-sector engagement.
Billed to be held in Abuja from November 26 to 28 2024, this year’s theme is: “Building sustainable and relevant tertiary education institutions and systems in Africa”.
Speaking at a media parley, the Director Programmes, British Council Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, said the Going Global Conference will prioritise the development and growth of sustainable and relevant tertiary education institutions with the capability to effectively address the needs of the region’s vital stakeholders and constituents.
The Director said the objectives of the event are to support the exchange of ideas among stakeholders, provide a platform for governments institutions and influencers from Africa and UK to network as well as present the United Kingdom as a partner, positive contributor to regional and national agencies.
He said: “Since its inception in 2004, the Going Global conference has served as a strategic forum for leaders in international education to share knowledge and build a global network to shape the future of further and higher education.
“Those two days of events, we are expecting partnerships, networks, and friendships, fostered in the course of those days for the betterment of our continent.
“We are privileged that it is happening in Nigeria. We are expecting over 400 senior stakeholders across Africa and in the UK, and we hope, indeed, that the challenges and opportunities that are locked in in Africa and the higher education system here will be in focus during these two days.”
In her presentation, the Regional Director, Higher Education, British Council, Adetomi Soyinka, said the event hopes to bring together leaders of international education to exchange ideas, strengthen institutional and individual capacity and create an opportunity for participants to learn and be better positioned to contribute to improved future outcomes for young Africans.
While listing the target audience to include senior government officials, vice chancellors, founders of international education – both national and multinational- representatives of trusts, donors, foundations and key international agencies as well as heads of multinational associations of universities, Soyinka said participants are expected from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Tanzania, Botswana and six other African countries.
Also speaking, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, described the granting of the hosting rights as a further proof of Nigeria’s support for the vision of British Council and also an affirmation of the confidence reposed in Nigeria by the organisation.
The event, he noted, would provide yet another opportunity for the country to showcase its potentials in the education sector to the whole world.
Prof. Mamman said It would also serve as an opportunity to extend the country’s warm hospitality to the world and introduce the country’s leisure and business sectors to potential investors.
Represented by the Director of University Education at the Ministry, Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, the Education Minister assured participants from across the world of a safe and secure environment as well as excellent facilities.
The Minister’s position was also echoed by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Mayaki.
Also speaking, the First Secretary, Development Diplomacy and Education at British High Commission, Abuja, James O’Donoghue, said the event underscored the strength of the partnership between Nigeria and the UK in the area of education.
“We have supported education in Nigeria across a whole range of areas and issues, and our work with our colleagues from the British Council in higher education is just one of many areas. We are very proud of our support in Nigeria, and very excited about the future,” O’Donoghue said.
