UNILAG and UI Co-Host Successful AIT Swiss-Africa Conference 2024

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with the University of Ibadan (UI), recently hosted the prestigious 3rd Annual Conference for the Academia–Industry Training (AIT) Swiss-Africa Conference 2024. This significant event showcased a remarkable display of collaboration between two leading institutions in Nigeria's federal tertiary education system.

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Bringing together major stakeholders and distinguished guests from Switzerland, South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana, and Nigeria, the conference underscored the importance of partnership in driving innovation and development.

The two-day conference, held on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, February 29, 2024, took place at the University of Lagos Guest Houses and Conference Centre in Lagos State, Nigeria's foremost business hub.

The event commenced with a courtesy call on Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, at the Senate House. Professor Ogunsola, alongside the university's management team, warmly received esteemed stakeholders including Mr. Erich Thaler, Senior Manager of Global Partnerships at the University of Basel; Dorinna Kuhner, representing the Vice President’s Office for Research and International Office at the University of Basel; Adrian Meyer, Web Administrator at the Swiss-African Research Cooperation Office (SARECO); Thessa Bagu, Director of Commercium Africa; Karen Eksteen, CEO & Founder of Innocircle; and Bunmi Odeleye, Head of Trade Missions at Commercium Africa.

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The conference served as a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry. It highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical application to drive innovation and economic growth in Africa.

Through engaging sessions and interactive workshops, participants explored various themes such as technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The conference also featured presentations from leading experts and successful entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the African innovation ecosystem.

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The successful collaboration between UNILAG and UI in hosting the AIT Swiss-Africa Conference 2024 exemplifies the commitment of Nigerian universities to driving socio-economic development through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.