With higher institutions embracing new opportunities for growth, the demand for collaboration has become more imperative. The Education Collaborative is stepping up to the challenge, paving the way for wider opportunities. At Pan-Atlantic University, we’re proud to have hosted the inaugural convening of the West Africa Hub. The two-day event brought together participants from across Africa to Lagos, Nigeria, for insightful discussions and deliberations. During the convening, attendees had the chance to engage with other university leaders, network with peers, and take part in different workshops. With over 20 speakers, representatives from 33 universities, 4 non-higher educational institutions, and 18 higher education leaders and executives from 11 countries, the gathering was truly diverse, and the experience remarkable.
The theme of the Convening was “Building an Ecosystem of Excellence for Research, Leadership, and Graduate Employability”, and Dr. Peter Bamkole, COO of Pan-Atlantic University and Chair of the West Africa Hub Strategic Committee, stressed the importance of collective progress, stating, “Improvement in each institution benefits the whole of Africa.” Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University, highlighted the strengths of each institution, noting, “By collaborating, we can all improve and deliver better education.” He further emphasised that the people who will be leading the continent 20 years from now are sitting in our classrooms today. They are the people who will create opportunities for the billions of people expected in Africa in the next decades.
The event ended with a celebration of International Women’s Day, recognizing and appreciating every woman in attendance.
The success of the West Africa Hub Convening serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and collective action in driving meaningful change. As we reflect on the insights gained and the connections forged during this important event, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing education and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
