March 14-15, 2024, Lagos, Nigeria – The inaugural 2024 West African Hub Convening welcomed 104 participants from 11 countries, representing 33 higher education institutions. Hosted by Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria, and held in Lagos, Nigeria, the event centered on the theme “Building an Ecosystem of Excellence for Research, Leadership, and Graduate Employability.”
This platform provided a valuable space for university leaders, administrators, stakeholders, and executives in the West Africa region to connect and collaborate on driving progress in higher education.
“We’re bringing together education leaders from across West Africa and beyond to collaborate on ways to enhance higher education,” said Peter Bamkole, Chief Operating Officer at Pan-Atlantic University and Chair of the West Africa Hub Strategic Committee, in his opening address. “Together, we can grow, change narratives about Africa, and empower institutions to better equip students for successful careers.”
The two-day event featured a dynamic mix of workshops, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their needs and interests.
“This 2024 Convening offers a unique opportunity for regional higher education stakeholders to explore innovations and strategies aimed at building an ecosystem that champions research, leadership, and ultimately, graduate employability outcomes across West Africa,” emphasized Professor Rosemond Boohene, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
Established in 2022, the West Africa Hub is the second regional hub within the Education Collaborative. This model, piloted in East Africa in 2021, provides context-specific support and draws on the shared experiences of leading universities within a geographic region. Since 2021, the Education Collaborative has committed over $148,000 in regional innovations, projects, and initiatives, actively engaging 36 institutions across seven countries across Western Africa. The West African Hub aims to impact 407,000 students over the next decade.
“Every country possesses excellence, and universities have unique strengths. By learning from each other, we can become even better at delivering value,” noted Dr. Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University, in his keynote address. “Africa’s development hinges on leadership excellence. With the youngest population on Earth, it’s imperative for us to nurture leadership that helps others succeed, focusing on mindset, skills, a strong workforce, and global connections.”
