By Temitope Mustapha, Windhoek
Renowned Nigerian Professor Emeritus, Peter Okebukola, has been recognized by the Association of African Universities (AAU) as the Higher Education Ambassador for West Africa. The announcement came during the 22nd Conference of Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Presidents of universities, held in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Secretary General of the AAU, Professor Olushola Oyewole, highlighted Professor Okebukola’s exceptional support and unwavering commitment to the advancement of higher education in Africa as the basis for his appointment. Professor Oyewole commended Professor Okebukola for his advocacy of increased access, quality, and relevance in African higher education.
Regarding his new role, Professor Emeritus Okebukola expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the challenge it presents. He stated that this appointment would motivate him to further improve all aspects of higher education, including access, quality, equity, and more within the subcontinent of West Africa. He emphasized that Nigeria’s redesigned higher education curriculum addresses the specific challenges faced by universities in Africa and ensures graduates are both nationally relevant and globally competitive.
Alongside Professor Okebukola, other distinguished individuals were also appointed as AAU Ambassadors in their respective fields. Professor Olugbemiro Jegede was recognized for his promotion of the AAU’s mission and vision and appointed as the Ambassador for open and distance learning. Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia, Professor Kenneth Matengu, was appointed as the AAU Ambassador for Southern Africa, and Professor El-Meteini Mahmoud as the AAU Ambassador for North Africa.
The 22nd Conference of Rectors, Vice Chancellors, and Presidents of African Universities, led by AAU President Professor Saeed Bakri Osman, focused on excellence and successful initiatives in African Higher Education. The conference aimed to highlight key enabling elements such as university-industry linkages, funding, and financing.
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