UGBS NEST TEAM ATTENDS 2024 GOING GLOBAL CONFERENCE

A team from the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub attended the esteemed 2024 Going Global Conference held in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria, from 26th to 28th November. The conference which was themed "Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Education Institutions and Systems in Africa" gathered leaders in international education around the theme of enhancing educational impact and empowering youth. The conference offered a platform for exchanging innovative ideas, sharing best practices, and forging partnerships aimed at transforming higher education for the benefit of students across Africa.

The conference featured several sessions, including one titled "Realising the Vision of Africa's Youth," which moved away from merely pinpointing challenges in tertiary education discussed at the previous year's event and instead focused on assessing progress and suggesting solutions. Young African leaders shared their visions for Africa's future, emphasizing the need for improvements in tertiary education curricula, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship. In parallel, academic and industry leaders detailed the initiatives, strategies, and actions being implemented to maximize youth potential through education in Africa.

Another notable session, “Maximizing Impact Through Education Partnerships,” brought together senior figures from the UK, Africa, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. They explored the objectives and essential strategies necessary for developing sustainable partnerships in higher education, aiming to enhance opportunities for young Africans. Notable participants included Professor Olanike Adeyemo, Secretary to the Oyo State Government in Nigeria, and the Pioneer Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Ibadan.

The significance of career services and placement was also highlighted, focusing on their critical role in helping graduates prepare for the workforce and facilitating their transition from academia to industry. The discussion titled "Preparing Young People for the Evolving World of Work" emphasized the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the rapidly changing job landscape, both in Africa and globally. It delivered practical insights and strategies for governments and institutions to implement initiatives that assist young people in navigating their career paths successfully.

Furthermore, the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in higher education was identified as essential for achieving sustainable impact. Experiences regarding access to and engagement in higher education for persons with disabilities differ significantly across institutions worldwide. Despite significant advancements in recent years, the lack of cohesive support practices for disabled students and staff, along with fragmented approaches to inclusion within universities and their broader communities, continues to impede progress.

The 2024 Going Global Conference served as a pivotal moment for the team from the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, providing a wealth of knowledge and a strengthened network of global partners. As the UGBS NEST moves forward, the insights and connections gained will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a thriving environment for students and entrepreneurs alike.