The federal government has acknowledged the enormity of the challenges confronting the country’s education system, which requires vast and complex efforts to fix.
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, made this observation on Thursday at the 2024 West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) Conference in Abuja.
He emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of nations. Mamman listed some of the challenges in the education sector in Nigeria and other African countries, including issues ranging from access to quality, ensuring equity and inclusivity, and adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape, among others.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the challenges that confront our educational systems. Our work is vast and complex, from access to quality education to ensuring equity and inclusivity and adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape,” he said.
However, he mentioned that through collaboration, dialogue, and shared knowledge, “we can find solutions to these challenges.” The Minister reaffirmed the importance of research and education in driving sustainable development and highlighted the need for African nations to address challenges in their educational systems.
He further emphasized the importance of leveraging initiatives like the WACREN conference to strengthen regional ties and build networks that transcend geographical boundaries.
Mamman said, “The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Charting the Course: Forging Future-ready Higher Education and Research Communities,’ underscores the importance of Research and Education Networks (RENS) in ensuring that our universities stay globally relevant in these ever-changing times.
“In our quest for national and regional development as well as global competitiveness, we must harness the power of research and education to propel the African continent forward. Whether it is in the fields of healthcare, technology, agriculture, or governance, the solutions to our most pressing issues lie in the innovative minds and scholarly endeavors of our researchers and educators,” he said.
He also highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s roadmap to transform the educational system of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism about the future of the country’s education sector and calling for support from stakeholders across the African continent.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, spoke on the conference theme, “Forging Future Higher Education and Research Communities,” emphasizing the need for proactive, innovative, and forward-thinking approaches to teaching, learning, and research.
Maiyaki, who was represented at the event, encouraged participants to embrace digital transformation, foster collaboration, and cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.
His remarks highlighted the importance of preparing higher education and research communities for the challenges and opportunities ahead, calling for engagement in thought-provoking discussions, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to common challenges.
He emphasized the collective efforts needed to shape a brighter future for generations to come, encouraging active participation and networking among participants.
“I encourage all participants to actively engage in sessions, network with their peers, and seize the opportunity to contribute their expertise and insight to the discussions. Together, we can forge stronger, more resilient higher education and research communities that are capable of shaping a brighter future for generations to come. I wish you all to be productive.”
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