By Ngozi Nwankwo
Research and education networks and communities have disclosed their resolve to meet at West and Central African Research and Education Network,WACREN, 2024 Conference to define a common future
The stakeholders of research and education in Africa will gather to deliberate on “Charting the Course: Forging Future-Ready Higher Education and Research Communities” at WACREN 2024, the 9th Annual Conference, organised by WACREN on March 7 and 8, 2024.
As contained in the press statement issued to journalists by the WACREN Communication and Marketing Officer, Effah Amponsah in Abuja, the Conference to be organised 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.
The participants to attend include higher education policy makers and funders, academia, National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), ministries and agencies in charge of higher education and digital transformation across the region.
It said 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 quite 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,” Dr Barry said.
“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,” he said.
The Minister of Education, the 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.