The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, Nigeria (COSFAN), is set to host its 2024 International Conference between October 14 and 15, 2024 at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan (UI).
The event themed, “Reimagining an Inclusive Society through Governance, Technology and Social Justice,” will focus on critical issues like health systems, global peace, security, governance, technology for development, and resilience in crisis response.
According to COSFAN President, Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, the conference aims to bring together experts, scholars, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on health systems and capacity building, global peace, security, justice and governance.
Some of the topics are: Access, Inclusion and Opportunity, Science and Technology for Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Resilience to crises.
These topics reflect the pressing need for an inclusive society where every individual has access to opportunities, irrespective of their background or challenges.
Participants will explore strategies to leverage technology, governance, and social justice for fostering sustainable development and equitable access to resources.
Key focus areas of the conference include examining the role of governance and technology in ensuring equal access to opportunities for in marginalised communities. In addition, experts will discuss how science, innovation, and entrepreneurship can drive development and crisis response; ensuring societies remain resilient in the face of challenges such as pandemics and economic downturns.
Samuel said the conference is expected to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering partnerships, and generating actionable insights that will shape Nigeria’s progress toward a more inclusive and just society.
According to him, the event will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders and young professionals to contribute to discussions that will influence future policy and practice in Nigeria and beyond.
He said the international conference is set to be a groundbreaking gathering of minds aimed at fostering societal inclusion through innovative approaches to governance, technology, and social justice.
The event will feature a stellar lineup of speakers and prominent figures from various sectors including Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant; Prof. Francis Egbokhare, former president of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Dr Elizabeth Dalgardo, Faculty of Biology, Health and Medicine, University of Manchester, UK; and Mr. Femi Adekoya, Founder and Managing Director, Integrated Aerial Precision Ltd, Lagos.
Others are emeritus Prof. Michael Omolewa, Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Otunba Adebola Osibogun, Managing Director, Davidfilm Global Concept Ltd & and Director, Board of Idu’a Investment Company Ltd.; Prof. Comfort Ekpo, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo; Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to Vice President of Nigeria on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact; Prof. Oyewale Tomori, renowned virologist and professor at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State; and Mr. Femi Falana, legal luminar among others.
Some notable dignitaries expected at the event include Technical Adviser to COSFAN, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Minister of Education, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Dr. Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari; and Prof. K. O. Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of UI.