A hybrid conference held in Lagos brought together policymakers, educators, parents, and students to address the current state of education in Nigeria and explore pathways for improvement. The event focused on building a Nigerian education ecosystem that fosters innovation through international exchanges, aimed at advancing both Nigeria and Africa.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Mary Agbu, Country Director of SI Global Nigeria, highlighted the conference as a vital platform for individuals pursuing higher learning. She encouraged students to leverage the panel discussions and engage in one-on-one sessions with representatives from key international universities.
The conference featured two notable keynote speakers: Mr. Dindenbolo-Zaya Kuyena, the Canadian Trade Commissioner to Nigeria, and Dr. Sola Oni, Dean of Pan-Atlantic University. Kuyena emphasized the importance of informed decision-making for students, noting that their choices today would significantly impact their futures and society. He stressed the need for Nigeria to position itself within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, encouraging students to set ambitious yet realistic goals.
Kuyena also revealed that Canada is actively seeking to recruit between 80,000 and 100,000 Nigerian students, many of whom contribute to the startup and entrepreneurial scene upon graduating. He underscored the potential for these graduates to return to Nigeria and utilize their education to drive innovation in sectors like fintech.
Dr. Oni spoke about the responsibility of returning home after studying abroad, asserting that it is not merely a personal choice but a duty to contribute to national development. She urged aspiring students to recognize studying abroad as an opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and acquire in-demand skills, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their education for the betterment of Nigeria.
The conference included four insightful panel sessions:
- Emerging Degrees for Future Careers: This panel discussed niche courses offered by universities and their financial viability, featuring Mr. Michael Lawson from SRUC and Fiona Simon from Coventry University, moderated by Chuba Agbu.
- Mastering Medical School Admissions Interviews: Led by William Doggo, this session aimed to assist aspiring medical students in successfully navigating the application process.
- Creating Portfolios for Creative Degrees: Participants learned how to use portfolios to showcase their individuality beyond mere skills, featuring Michelle Marshall from UCA and Seyi Agboola.
- How Ready Are You for Life?: Adiba Ofungwu shared her career journey to inspire students to navigate the twists and turns of their professional paths.
Each session concluded with interactive Q&A opportunities, allowing participants to engage with the speakers. The event attracted representatives from 20 international universities from the UK, Canada, and Australia, as well as six secondary schools with students who could have personalized discussions about their academic interests.
This gathering represented a significant step towards fostering collaboration and innovation in Nigeria’s educational landscape, empowering the next generation to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment.