Global Scholars Gather at UNILAG to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Africa
UNILAG hosts the 4th ARUA Biennial International Conference, attracting global scholars to deliberate on the future of higher education in Africa. Participants, including experts from universities, research institutions, government, industry, civil society, and international organizations, gathered at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall to explore ways of reimagining higher education on the continent.
Faith Orji 
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) played host to the prestigious 4th Biennial International Conference of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), marking the first time the event has been held in Nigeria. Scholars, researchers, and practitioners from within and outside the higher education sector convened on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall to engage in discussions on reshaping the future of higher education in Africa.
The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Grace Otinwa, emphasized the conference's significance in reimagining higher education on the continent. In her opening remarks, she declared, "Your role at this conference is to uniquely and significantly create a paradigm shift."
Prof. Grace Otinwa
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UNILAG's Vice-Chancellor and Chief Host of the Conference, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, welcomed over three hundred participants and stressed the timeliness of the conference theme. She encouraged attendees to contribute to the transformation of higher education delivery in Africa, stating, "Universities are the place where a desired future can be imagined, and our business today is to imagine a desired future for Africa."
Professor Folasade Ogunsola
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Chair of the ARUA Board and Vice-Chancellor of Makere University, Uganda, urged participants to address the real challenges facing Africa. He emphasized the need to increase the number of researchers on the continent as a crucial step in solving issues such as abject poverty.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
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The keynote speaker, Prof. Adam Abib from the University of London, spoke about the inequality in the global knowledge creation architecture, calling for a bold rethinking and reconfiguration. He challenged attendees to advocate against the current skewed model and political economy of higher education, emphasizing the importance of a global conversation and collaboration.
Prof. Adam Abib
Representing the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule Akibu, commended ARUA for its dedication to advancing knowledge. He expressed pride in hosting the conference in Lagos and emphasized the state's commitment to making its universities centers of excellence.
Mr. Tolani Sule Akibu
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The 4th ARUA Biennial International Conference, running from November 15 to November 17, 2023, brings together researchers from over seventeen research-intensive African universities. The event aims to foster collaboration and dialogue on the future of higher education in Africa.
