Stakeholders of research and education in Africa will convene at the WACREN 2024 Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 7 and 8, 2024.
The conference, organized by the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) and hosted by the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), will bring together participants from across the globe to deliberate on the theme “Charting the Course: Forging Future-Ready Higher Education and Research Communities.”
The event is expected to draw higher education policymakers and funders, academia, National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), as well as ministries and agencies responsible for higher education and digital transformation in the region.
Through presentations, panel discussions, and interactions, participants will work to define a clear path to a more sustainable future and prepare to tackle emerging challenges and realities in the field of research and education.
Speaking ahead of the Conference, the CEO of WACREN, Dr. Boubakar Barry, emphasised the unique nature of this year’s conference, highlighting the need for stakeholders to come together to chart the course of a common future with a common resolve. Stating, “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.”
The conference will be attended by the Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Additionally, subject-specific side events, including a summit on digital education infrastructure and a workshop on open research, will precede the two-day conference.
