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Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana (UB), Professor David Norris, has underscored the need for African universities to collaborate in advancing the ideals of Africa Agenda 2063. Professor Norris was speaking during a special television programme on Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) on the 21st February 2024 ahead of the International Study Abroad Fair (ISAF) scheduled for the 23rd February 2024 in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Dubbed The Africa We Want, Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse. To that end, Professor Norris highlighted the significance of collective efforts towards realisation of the Agenda 2063 vision, which aims to transform Africa into a global powerhouse through inclusive and sustainable development.

“Who else apart from universities should be leading this?” asked Professor Norris, noting that African Universities were the right entities that should spearhead efforts by African leaders.

However, he questioned why African countries often sought solutions from universities outside the continent instead of investing in local research talent. “[African] Universities must be the shining light so that everyone can learn from [them],” said the Vice Chancellor.

As such, Professor Norris highlighted that African universities should serve as beacons of innovation and knowledge creation while advocating for increased investment in postgraduate research programmes to address local challenges. He emphasised the importance of African countries pooling resources to tackle common challenges and promote good governance within academic institutions. Professor Norris urged African Universities to embrace their role as catalysts for change and innovation in driving the continent towards the realisation of its developmental aspirations as outlined in Agenda 2063.

Notwithstanding, the Vice Chancellor observed a significant weakness amongst African Universities, highlighting their failure to leverage the complete research value chain. “So, it is very important that our innovation or research is across the entire value chain, all the way to commercialisation and these are the things that we should learn from each other,” he added.

Meanwhile, Professor Norris is in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria as one of the keynote speakers at the International Study Abroad Fair (ISAF) and Conference 2024 under the theme; “Accessing EducationBbeyond Border; Embracing Globa Opportunities.” The binary event will take place at the Thomas Oritsejolomi Hall, International Conference Centre (ICC), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria on the 23rd February 2024.

ISAF is an international educational event designed to provide a dedicated platform to discuss how to harness global opportunities through international education and also present help to turn prospective students’ aspirations of studying abroad to reality.

Professor Norris will speak on the topic, The Power of International Education: Transforming Lives and Shaping the Future. He will further participate in a panel discussion on the topic: Measuring and Assessing the Benefits of International Strategic Partnerships in Student Exchange Programme.

He is accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Professor Georges Ekosse, Public Affairs Director, Dr Faith Rapuleng-Tuelo, Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Mr Moeng Segaetsho and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Mrs Matshediso Zungu as well as Mr Thomas Nkhoma, Public Affairs Officer - Media.