Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Maman, has underscored the pivotal role of research output in shaping the future of the African continent, emphasizing its foundational significance in driving development initiatives.
The minister stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the West African Research and Central African Research and Education Network, WACREN, with the theme “Charting the Course: Forging Future-Ready Higher Education and Research Communities,” held in Abuja, Nigeria.
He said there was a need for collective commitment and collaboration to advance education and research within the African region.
“In our quest for national and regional development as well as global competitiveness, we must harness the power of research and education to propel the African continent forward.
“The growth and development of our continent depend largely on our research output.
“Whether it is in the fields of healthcare, technology, agriculture, or governance, the solutions to our most pressing issues lie in the innovative minds and scholarly endeavours of our researchers and educators,” he said.
According to him, the conference provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will move the continent’s education systems forward.
“By harnessing the collective expertise present in this room, today, we can chart a course towards a brighter and more prosperous future for West and Central Africa.
“The theme of this year’s conference underscores the importance of Research and Education Networks (RENs) in ensuring that our universities stay globally relevant in these ever-changing times.
“Recognizing the importance of collaboration across borders in addressing common challenges and seizing shared opportunities, we leverage initiatives such as this to strengthen regional ties, foster mutual understanding, and build networks that transcend geographical boundaries,” he said.
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He said, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education, under his leadership, had developed a roadmap for the education sector to transform the educational system of Nigeria.
“The present government is taking bold steps to support and establish skills and innovation hubs across the country in tertiary institutions,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, in Nigeria, Dr. Chris Maiyaki in a remark that the conference provides an opportunity to prepare African higher education and research communities ahead of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
“It also calls on us to embrace digital transformation, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among our students,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of WACREN, Boubakar Barry, said the conference would position West and Central African nations toward the creation of a comprehensive education infrastructure environment.
This would support teachers, learners, and resource communities in finding solutions to the current, future, local, and global challenges.
He added that the organization was planning to establish a global exchange point in Lagos that would be connected to the EU Internet Alliance in Cape Town to facilitate the process of a comprehensive infrastructure for research and education.
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