Scholars from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University(COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, Kyambogo University, Uganda, University of Eidoret Kenya, Mount Kenya University, Kenya, University of Makeni Sierra-Leone, Vincent Pol University, Poland and University of Cyril/Methodius, Slovakia, have gathered to chart the forward on how the issue of insecurity and other socio-economic challenges will be resolved in Africa by 2063.
The brainstorming session at the ninth international interdisciplinary conference at Ojukwu Varsity’s ETF Auditorium Igbariam, with the theme, ‘Global Development and Contemporary Challenges of Insecurity’ also witnessed the presence of other distinguished personalities from the academia world, including the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chima-Udeh.
The scholars argued that there is a need for a unified security structure and policy for a secure Africa and its habitants.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the conference was organised by the six above-mentioned universities jointly named as “Inter-University Consortium-Africa (IUC-Africa).
Declaring the conference open, the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, expressed happiness over the choice of IUC-AFRICA, choosing Ojukwu Varsity as the host three-day conference.
Soludo who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, noted that the conference was in line with his vision of making Anambra a peaceful, liveable and prosperous state in Nigeria by 2070.
The governor urged them to focus more on collaboration with other relevant stakeholders in order to achieve the organisation’s set goals.
The acting vice chancellor of COOU, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, said the conference further was called upon to discuss and proffer solution to pressing issues affecting further development and insecurity in the world, particularly, in Africa continent.
According to her, the theme for this year’s conference is very apt and well-chosen especially at this period when several communities, countries and zones are being challenged by issues of insecurity.
“The theme is also in tandem with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development of the United Nations as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations for a peaceful and secure Africa, an integrated continent with strong cultural identity, Africa with people-driven development and a prosperous Africa.
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“The event is in line with our University’s 3Vs of Value, Visibility and Viability. I hold this conference and consortium in high esteem and I am passionate about working closely with the vice chancellors of member institutions of the consortium to ensure that we achieve the goals of the organisation.
“It is also my sincere hope that with the active participation of physical and visual attendees, knowledge shared and gained at this conference will make significant impacts at local, regional, national and global levels,” she said.
Professor Umenugha thanked and congratulated the VC of Mount Kenya University, Professor Deogratias Jaganyi, for judiciously steering the affairs of the consortium since May 2023 to date.
Speaking also at the conference, the outgoing Inter-University Consortium-Africa (IUC-AFRICA) Chairman, Professor Deogratias Jaganyi, while commending Ojukwu University for hosting the conference, urged each member University to reach out to other Universities and invite them to join the membership of the Consortium to strive, jointly and individually champion the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda as a common good.
The conference keynote address was delivered by Professor Augustine Odili, a professor of Cardiovascular Medicine as well as a consultant cardiologist.
