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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Members of the academia, researchers, policy makers and funders of higher education in West and Central African countries have gathered in Abuja for the annual West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN).
WACREN is the regional Research and Education Networks (RENs) for West and Central Africa with the vision to build worldclass infrastructure and services for the research and education community for development, and focuses on providing affordable, high-speed connectivity to students and researchers in higher education and research institutions to discover, share, and use knowledge for development.
The 2024 conference with the theme “Charting the Course: Forging Future-Ready Higher Education and Research Communities,” is organised by WACREN and hosted by the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN).
Chief Executive Officer of WACREN, Dr. Boubakar Barry, told journalists in Abuja, that Research and Education Networks (RENs) and the higher education fraternity have seen the need to bring the lessons of the past to define a sustainable future, particularly the challenges posed by the rippling effects of COVID-19,
He said: “This year’s Conference is quite unique as it serves as the forum for all stakeholders in our ecosystem to chart the course of our common future with a common resolve. We are hoping for a highly interactive string of events where various stakeholders will deliberate on matters of community interests for the development of research and education on our side of the world.
“As critical stakeholders in advancing digital connectivity and fostering collaboration across Nigeria’s research and education landscape, NgREN is proud to spearhead initiatives that empower academic and scientific communities in the Nigerian University System (NUS). Through innovation, partnership, and a commitment to excellence, we continue to shape the future of education and research in Nigeria.”
Dr. Barry confirmed that Ministers of Education; Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy; and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) would participate in the meeting.
