Janet Samuel, Abuja
Stakeholders in education research have urged government at all levell to invest in research to address the developmental needs confronting Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN), Dr. Boubakar Barry made the call while speaking with newsmen at a 3 day workshop on research and broadband development in tertiary institutions organized by the National University Commission and WACREN on Monday in Abuja
Dr Barry, who spoke on the 9th Annual Conference, by WACREN said is scheduled for March 7 and 8, this year, adding that the conference, will attract stakeholders in research and education in Africa, and is with a theme titled “Charting the Course: Forging Future-Ready Higher Education and Research Communities.”
The conference, hosted by the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), a flagship of the National Universities Commission (NUC), is expected to draw participants from across the globe
According to Barry, the regional conference is an opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and partnerships, especially in the face of the multifarious challenges confronting Africa.
On the need to mobilise more resources for research, Barry expressed concerns that most African countries are not close to the recommended government spending on research.
While acknowledging some governments efforts, he said but “I think they should do more because without research, we will not make progress, and we can not address the challenges for societal development.”
“This year’s Conference is unique as it serves as a forum for all stakeholders in our ecosystem to chart the course of our common future with a common resolve. We hope for highly interactive events where various stakeholders will deliberate on matters of community interest for the development of research and education in our part 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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Professor Yakubu Ochefu, underscored the importance of the Open Science Platform, “a global initiative directed at producing best practices on how to conduct research, store research, and share research with a community of stakeholders ranging from students to other professionals and the rest of society.”
He said that CVCNU was collaborating with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to deliver on a project called TERAS (Tertiary Education, Research, Applications & Services), in the Science Platform, aligning with the policy guidelines, adding that the first phase of TERAS was launched by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman in October 2023.
WACREN is the regional REN for West and Central Africa aimed at building world-class infrastructure and services for the research and education community for development.
