The Going Global Africa conference
26-28 November 2024, Abuja, Nigeria
Head of Education for British Council Scotland, Harish Lokhun, spent five days in Abuja, Nigeria, for this year’s annual Going Global conference arranged by the British Council, to facilitate opportunities for the sector across sub-Saharan Africa. He shares his reflections from the conference.
Connected Scotland reception
Connected Scotland reception
This year’s conference saw the largest senior delegation from Scotland to any Going Global event, with 14 delegates representing 11 Scottish institutions in attendance – demonstrating Scotland's growing engagement with higher education and TVET across the continent. The Conference brings together leaders of international higher and further education to further and deepen connections between the UK and partners worldwide. In recognition of the growing interest in Africa, particularly in delivering and building equitable partnerships, the British Council held its flagship event in Abuja, Nigeria.
Under the Connected Scotland partnership, a unique Scotland meets Africa reception featuring senior university representatives and alumni from the Universities of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, University of West of Scotland, Dundee, and City of Glasgow College was hosted in Nigeria on 27 November. It was attended by over 100 stakeholders to highlight partnership opportunities between Scotland and the African continent.
Amongst the guests at the reception were senior university leaders, representatives from the British High Commission in Abuja, Department for Business and Trade, Universities UK International, FCDO, QAA, DFE and Association of Commonwealth Universities. There were also international delegates present from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya.
Professor Neville Wylie, Chair of Connected Scotland and Deputy Principal (International) at Stirling University, delivered a keynote speech highlighting Scotland’s four-year degree structure and the post-study work opportunities offered by Scotland’s Migration Service.
Professor Peter McEleavy, Africa lead at Dundee University, also spoke about the breadth and depth of the engagement of the Scottish sector with Africa, listing key partnerships between institutions in Scotland and Africa, ranging from capacity building, staff training to doctoral scholarships.
It was inspiring to also hear from Dr. Suleiman Ihaibe Isa, an alumnus of Stirling university, speak of his connections to Scotland and the lasting impact of Scottish African educational research through studying aquaculture, which enabled him to further develop analytical and creative-thinking skills in his career across government, corporate and development world.
This year, Going Global brought together over 300 tertiary education leaders from 20 countries across Africa and the UK to debate the future of higher education and skills in Africa. Through a number of conference sessions delegates from Scottish universities and colleges showcased their work on equitable partnerships, transnational education and employment focused skills development.
Building on the success of Going Global in Edinburgh in 2023, it’s been brilliant to engage with stakeholders from around the globe in Abuja. The significant Scottish presence here demonstrates the commitment to deepening educational ties between Scotland and African countries. Our institutions are working across the continent to create opportunities that benefit both Scottish and African students and researchers.