Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has called for collective efforts to advance education and research in West and Central Africa.
Mamman made the call in Abuja while addressing participants at the 2024 West and Central African Research and Education Network, WACREN, Conference.
The minister stressed the importance of research and education in driving sustainable development and highlighted the need for African nations to address challenges in their educational systems.
He further emphasized the importance of leveraging initiatives like the WACREN conference to strengthen regional ties and build networks that transcend geographical boundaries.
He also noted the need to recognise the potential for innovative minds and scholarly endeavours to provide solutions to pressing issues.
He said the government under President Bola Tinubu, has developed a roadmap to transform the educational system of Nigeria, even as he expressed optimism about the future of the country’s education sector and called for support from stakeholders across the African continent.
Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, stressed the need for proactive, innovative, and forward-thinking approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
Maiyaki encouraged participants to embrace digital transformation, foster collaboration, and cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.
Maiyaki’s remarks highlighted the importance of preparing higher education and research communities for the challenges and opportunities ahead, calling for engagement in thought-provoking discussions, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to common challenges.
He emphasized the collective efforts needed to shape a brighter future for generations to come, encouraging active participation and networking among participants.
