Policymakers, educators, and parents have called on the Federal Government to formulate education policies that promote nation building, to better position the country for future challenges.
They made the call at the SI Global inaugural conference held at The Metropolitan Club, Lagos. At the event themed: “Innovating education for the future,” experts explored the challenges, regulatory considerations, and collaboration required to build a Nigerian education ecosystem that nurtures innovation through international exchanges, while ensuring the development of Nigeria and Africa.
Country Director, SI Global Nigeria, Mary Agbu, said the platform is to help those pursuing higher education and the opportunities pivotal to their future.
Agbu enjoined students to take advantage of key international universities offering one-on-one sessions at the event.
Canadian Trade Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Dindenbolo-Zaya Kuyena, said the goal of the conference was to empower students to make informed decisions.
Speaking on how global education will impact the fourth industrial revolution, Kuyena said: “One thing that is important for Nigeria is understanding where it is situated in terms of the timeline of progress, and being realistic about objectives it wants to achieve in terms of development, not just as a country but as industries and individuals.”
He also enjoined aspiring students to be ambitious in their goal setting, and be realistic in achieving this goal. Dean, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Dr Sola Oni, spoke on the need for students to return home after their higher education abroad and contribute to national growth.
According to her, returning home is not just a choice, but a responsibility, and youths must drive the much-needed change for the country. She said: “I believe that studying abroad is more than just obtaining a degree. It’s an opportunity to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, and world-class institutions, and develop skills that are in high demand in today’s economy. We have over 70,000 Nigerians going out each year to study abroad. We must ask ourselves how we are going to leverage the education that we are about to receive abroad for the greater good of the country.
Oni also highlighted agri-business, real estate and construction, the Internet of things, entertainment and media, logistics, and politics as some of the critical areas young people should consider.The event featured representatives from 20 international universities from the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
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