…….. Stakeholders Advocate Education Reform, Digital Innovation, and Sustainable Development
The Federal University of Education (FUE), Zaria, has successfully hosted its maiden International Hybrid Conference, with participants advocating far-reaching reforms in education, research, digital innovation, and sustainable development to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
This was contained in a statement from the Directorate of information and Protocol of the university issued to newsmen.
It said that the conference, themed “Reimagining Knowledge Systems for Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in the 21st Century,” brought together traditional rulers, government officials, academics, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and students from within and outside Nigeria to deliberate on the future of education in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Professor Yahaya Isa Bunkure, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Suleiman Balarabe, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, digital scholarship, and community engagement. He described the conference as a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to position itself as a centre of excellence in knowledge production and innovation.
Serving as the Royal Father of the Day, the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness Ambassador Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, described education as the foundation of national development and urged universities to remain at the forefront of societal transformation. He emphasised the need for higher institutions to preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems while embracing modern technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to equip graduates with the skills and competencies required in the global knowledge economy. The monarch further encouraged researchers and policymakers to develop home-grown solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges through innovation, collaboration, and quality education.
Representing the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, the Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Hajiya Maryam Yahaya Shinkafi, said the conference’s theme was both timely and significant in view of the rapid pace of technological advancement across the world. She noted that government and educational institutions must have a rethink on the existing knowledge systems, to remain relevant in the digital age. According to her, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to improving access to quality education through sustained investment in schools, research, innovation, teacher development, and human capital development, while promoting partnerships that will strengthen the education sector and accelerate sustainable development.
Also speaking, a representative of the Kaduna State Government, on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Yahaya Saleh, Executive Secretary Kaduna State Scholarship Board, highlighted the state’s strategic investments in scholarships, teacher development, digital learning initiatives, and educational infrastructure. He further stressed the need for universities to produce research capable of informing public policy, driving innovation, and addressing societal challenges.
Presenting the lead paper, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos, Prof. Gideon G. Goshit, advocated stronger collaboration among universities, government institutions, industry, and development partners. He called for the integration of indigenous African knowledge systems with modern science and technology as a pathway to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The conference featured technical sessions, scholarly presentations, and goodwill messages from government representatives, university administrators, and distinguished guests, all of whom commended the Federal University of Education, Zaria, for successfully organising its first international conference.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Ladi, expressed appreciation to the University Management, keynote speakers, resource persons, participants, sponsors, and members of the various committees—including the Protocol, Technical, Academic, and Student Committees—for their dedication and commitment, which ensured the successful hosting of the conference.
Participants described the conference as a productive platform for intellectual engagement and the exchange of ideas on digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, research, innovation, and sustainable development. They expressed confidence that the resolutions reached would contribute to educational reforms, strengthen higher education, and support sustainable national development.
The conference concluded with prayers for the continued growth and success of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, as participants applauded the institution for hosting a landmark international academic gathering that reinforces its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
