Gov Makinde to deliver keynote address at International Education Conference in Ibadan

The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, will deliver the keynote address at the International Education Conference scheduled for February 21, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The one-day event will feature other distinguished speakers, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement at INTI International University, Professor Goh Khang Wen; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale; the Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu; DAAD Programme Officer for Nigeria, Dr Debo Akande, and other eminent scholars.

Lady Tolu Eledan, the host and partnership director of the project, stated that this year’s summit, themed “Global Mastery, Local Impact: Empowering Minds Through International Education,” will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and global education experts to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Eledan emphasised that the conference will provide immersive cross-border networking, facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas, and empower students with insights into their study pathways. Additionally, it will expose professionals to international collaboration opportunities, scholarships, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.

She added that the 2nd International Education Conference 2025 is set to be a transformative event, shaping the future of education at local, national, and global levels. The summit is expected to drive meaningful discussions that will inform policies, strengthen institutional collaborations, and enhance student mobility across international academic institutions.

Eledan further affirmed that Governor Makinde strongly believes education is the cornerstone of human development and a catalyst for positive change. This commitment has driven him, throughout his six years in office, to exceed UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) recommendation on education by allocating over 20 percent of the state’s budget to education and investing heavily in infrastructure and resources.

Under his leadership, Oyo State has seen significant improvements in school enrolment rates, with over 1.5 million out-of-school children absorbed into various public schools, teacher training programmes, and the expansion of digital learning initiatives.

As Oyo State continues to be a leading education hub and a top tourist destination—home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Governor aims to leverage the conference to attract diaspora investors, strengthen global partnerships, and showcase the state’s achievements in the education sector.

Furthermore, the event will serve as a platform to highlight the government’s ongoing efforts in modernising education, fostering research-driven policies, and equipping students with globally competitive skills.

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