Common Future: WACREN Holds 2024 Conference for African Research Networks

Stakeholders of research and education in Africa are set to gather to deliberate and determine a clear path to a more sustainable future and prepare to tackle emerging challenges and realities in a 2024 conference organized by the West and Central African Research and Education Network, WACREN.

The 9th edition of the Annual Conference with the theme: “Charting the Course: Forging Future-Ready Higher Education and Research Communities” will be held on 7^thand 8^th March, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

The Conference, organized by WACREN and hosted by the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), is expected to draw a wide range of participants from across the globe.

They include higher education policymakers and funders, academia, National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), ministries, and agencies in charge of higher education and digital transformation across the region.

Through insightful presentations, panel discussions by subject-matter experts, and participants’ interactions, research and education networks, and their communities are expected to determine a clear path to a more sustainable future and prepare to tackle emerging challenges and realities.

Speaking ahead of the Conference, the CEO of WACREN, Dr Boubakar Barry, said having been tested but fortified by the challenges posed by the rippling effects of COVID-19, RENs and the higher education fraternity need to bring the lessons of the past to define a sustainable future.

“This year’s Conference is unique as it serves as the forum for all stakeholders in our ecosystem to chart the course of our common future with a common resolve. We are hoping for a highly interactive string of events where various stakeholders will deliberate on matters of community interests for the development of research and education on our side of the world.

 “As critical Stakeholders in advancing digital connectivity and fostering collaboration across Nigeria’s research and education landscape, NgREN is proud to spearhead initiatives that empower academic and scientific communities in the Nigerian University System. Through innovation, partnership, and a commitment to excellence, we continue to shape the future of education and research in Nigeria,” said Dr Barry.

The Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) will be in attendance.

Some subject-specific side events will precede the two-day conference.

These include a special summit to discuss digital education infrastructure to enhance pedagogy delivery and a workshop on building a framework for open research in Nigeria.

WACREN 2024 is still open for registration and intending participants have been urged to visit the Conference website.

WACREN is the regional REN for West and Central Africa, its vision is to build world-class infrastructure and services for the research and education community for development.

It focuses on providing affordable, high-speed connectivity to students and researchers in higher education and research institutions to discover, share, and use knowledge for development.

Hauwa M.