UK, Indian, And Nigerian Experts Convene Strategic Conference On Global Challenges And Opportunities

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Academic and Grant Writing Enclave (AGE) International has said that the inadequate funding constitutes a daunting challenge to academia in Nigeria.

AGE also asserted that research institutions and universities often depend on government grants, private donations, and industry partnerships to finance their activities. Adding that the resources are always limited leading to funding constraints.

The body made the disclosures in a three day conference organized in collaboration with the TY Danjuma Foundation and Springer Nature on Redefining the Future of Global Academia.

The Conference Chairman, Prof. Ojonigu Friday Ati, in his opening remarks, highlighted that “This gathering of great minds is a testament to our shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

He also stated that “As we engage in these discussions, let us focus not only on the challenges but also on the boundless opportunities to shape the future of academia collaboratively.”

In an address, the Keynote Speaker, the former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, emphasized stressed the need for academia and adaptability to embraced innovation, inclusivity to addressed global issues affectively.

“Academia must embrace innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability to address global issues effectively. AGE’s efforts in equipping researchers with essential skills and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration are a critical step toward transforming the academic landscape.

“This conference is not just a forum for dialogue but a catalyst for change in research and education worldwide”, he highlighted.

Dr. Wadzani Dauda, Director of Training and Development (AGE), in his remarks noted that research institutions and universities often depend on government grants, private donations, and industry partnerships to finance their activities, adding that the resources are always limited, leading to funding constraints.

The Director who spoke recently during the Conference on Academic Conclave, where global thought leaders, scholars and professionals came together, emphasized on redefining the future of academia in Nigeria.

The conference themed “Redefining the Future of Global Academia”, attracted 2,122 academics from 65 countries and 1,202 institutions, uniting leading scholars, professors, researchers, and emerging innovators under one virtual roof.

Director Dauda further explained that the shortages create a highly competitive grant process, which means only a small percentage of grant applications are approved. Accessing these grants requires effective grant-writing skills.

The statement reads in part:
*”The landscape of academia is continuously evolving, shaped by global issues that present challenges and opportunities.

“The most pressing challenges are funding shortages, rapid technological shifts, and the growing need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Appropriately addressing these challenges is essential to sustaining the relevance and impact of academic institutions and research efforts worldwide.

“Inadequate funding constitutes a daunting challenge to academia today. Research institutions and universities often depend on government grants, private donations, and industry partnerships to finance their activities,” they stated.

He however stated that the resources are always limited, leading to funding constraints, adding, “These shortages create a highly competitive grant process, which means only a small percentage of grant applications are approved. Accessing these grants requires effective grant writing skills.”

“The rapid pace of technological advancement is reshaping how research and education are conducted.

“While these shifts offer transformative potential, they also pose several challenges such as access and equity (disparities in research capabilities and educational quality), skills gaps creating the need for constant training and professional development to adapt to new tools and methodologies, and the introduction of vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and data breaches due to increasing reliance on digital platforms.

“Complex global challenges, such as climate change, public health crises, and social inequality, demand interdisciplinary approaches that transcend traditional academic boundaries.

“Addressing the challenges of funding shortages, technological shifts, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration requires proactive leadership, innovative policies, and a collective commitment to academic excellence.

“One of AGE’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to foster a global learning community. This enclave is not just an event; it is a platform for collaboration, a space for exchanging ideas, and an opportunity to build lasting professional relationships.

“We believe that by working together, we can amplify our collective impact on academia and beyond.”
“What AGE has been doing with its myriad services has positioned it to be a leader in advancing research, innovation, and development through capacity building in grant writing, resource sharing, and collaboration support.

“AGE stands as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence, committed to empowering researchers and addressing global challenges. By embracing a future-oriented vision, fostering strategic partnerships, and prioritizing capacity building, it ensures that scholars and researchers are equipped to excel in an ever-changing global landscape.

Through its unwavering dedication to advancing research and disseminating impactful knowledge, the Enclave is not only redefining excellence but also shaping a sustainable and transformative future for academia and beyond.