Since 1960, the UK government has funded over 31,000 Commonwealth scholars and fellows through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). Upon completing their Scholarships or Fellowships, they join a thriving global community of Commonwealth Alumni, including Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers, Nobel Prize winners, academics, diplomats, writers, and leaders in major NGOs and businesses. These alumni work across various sectors and fields, effecting real change and development at local, national, and international levels.
In light of the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) convened its inaugural conference on October 14 and 15, 2024, at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan. Themed "Reimagining an Inclusive Society through Governance, Technology, and Social Justice," the event addressed pressing issues and proposed actionable solutions. The conference brought together participants from diverse sectors, including academia, industry, and civil society, alongside Commonwealth Alumni and students from the University of Ibadan. The event was held both in person and online.
The conference was graced by several distinguished guests, including Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan who was the Chief Host; Emeritus Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, Chairman of the COSFAN Board of Trustees; and Amb. Prof. Agboola Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Amb. Sanni Saulawa Bala. The Keynote Speaker, Chief (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was represented by her special assistant, Rose Keffas.
Other notable attendees include Emeritus Prof. Michael Omolewa, Department of Adult Education at the University of Ibadan; Otunba Mrs Adebola Osibogun, President, Consumer Awareness and Financial Enlightenment Initiative (CAFei); Prof. Comfort Ekpo, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo; Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to Vice President of Nigeria on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact; Prof Francis Egbokhare, former president of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno, Faculty of Biology, Health and Medicine, University of Manchester, UK; Prof. Oyewale Tomori, FAS, former Vice Chancellor of Redeemer University; Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Falana and Falana’s Chambers, Lagos; Mr Femi Adekoya, Founder and Managing Director, Integrated Aerial Precision Ltd, Lagos. The gathering also featured Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, President of COSFAN, and Prof. Adejoke Akinyele, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, along with the Immediate Past President of COSFAN, Dr. Abiola Adimula.
In the keynote address delivered by Chief (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was highly represented by her special assistant, Rose Keffas. She commended COSFAN for initiating a platform focused on tackling the barriers to good governance. She declared that Nigeria needs transformative, catalytic policies and programmes to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Orelope-Adefulire maintained that there was a need to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs.
“This event is timely because the world is off track of SDGs, we need to come together and unite various stakeholders to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs, you can see the sub-themes and the theme as it resonates and aligns with the development goals of Nigeria,” she added.
Continuing, she said, “You can see that the fifth sub-theme is aligned with the sixth, transition on what we need to do as a nation, to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs, the world is off track and we need to be on track with the impact of the COVID-19, climate change and socio-economic crisis, we need to do more to accelerate the attainment of SGDs in Nigeria. We need transformative, catalytic policies and programmes to achieve the SDGs by 2030.”
Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, highlighted the conference's significance in fostering collaboration among alumni. "This maiden conference presents a critical opportunity for Commonwealth scholarship beneficiaries to network and share their research experiences. I am confident that the findings and recommendations from this gathering will address various developmental challenges," he asserted.
In his welcome address, Dr Ekundayo Samuel, Convener of the conference who also doubles as the president of COSFAN introduced the role of COSFAN in connecting alumni of the CSC to support Nigeria in achieving its national development goals and contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasised the importance of COSFAN as a think-tank, connecting experts across a range of sectors through solution-driven debates.
"The main aim of the conference is to convene stakeholders in Nigeria and diaspora to deliberate on emerging national issues and interrogate interrelated activities, research and challenges," he said.
Dr. Ekundayo noted the urgency of gathering such professionals and emphasized that COSFAN includes a diverse group of scholars and experts from various fields who have engaged with the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme since 1960. "Today, we gather to raise critical issues and seek solutions for our nation's challenges. Our call for good governance, social justice, and technological innovation is paramount," he stated.
He highlighted the importance of assembling stakeholders from within Nigeria and the diaspora, to collectively articulate strategies for effective governance. "We need governance, not just any governance, but good governance that can address the mess we find ourselves in," he declared. The outcomes of the conference are intended to culminate in a document offering recommendations to the government based on insights gained during discussions.
Professor Adejoke Olukemi Akinyele, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), observed that the format enabled participants to renew old and forge new acquaintances and partnerships, share experiences and expertise, explore innovative solutions to national and global challenges, offer insights into emerging trends and opportunities, and encourage mentorship and collaboration.
Adding her voice, Prof. Akinyele reiterated the long-standing history of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria. "For twelve years, COSFAN has provided a platform for discourse. Many of us have benefited from the Commonwealth Scholarships since 1960, and now it is time to give back to society," she stated. "This gathering brings together notable speakers and a wealth of experiences that can significantly contribute to addressing global issues and the SDGs."
To achieve its overall aim, the conference featured three plenary sessions and ten scientific sessions across the two days, culminating in the presentation of more than 60 papers. COSFAN therefore hopes to deliver the conference biennially and continue supporting the generation of knowledge and ideas to advance national and international development goals.
The conference also featured an award presentation segment, recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of various members within the COSFAN community. This moment not only celebrated individual excellence but also fostered a spirit of encouragement and motivation throughout the gathering.
Attendees were allowed to reconnect with old acquaintances, forge new partnerships, and network extensively with fellow professionals and experts across diverse fields. These interactions were invaluable, as participants exchanged ideas and experiences while exploring innovative solutions to both national and global challenges.
Additionally, the conference served as a platform for mentorship and collaboration. Many attendees expressed their excitement about the possibility of working together on projects aimed at addressing critical issues affecting Nigeria and beyond. The collaborative environment allowed participants to share insights and strategies, inspiring a collective commitment to contribute positively to society.
The two-day conference of COSFAN not only highlighted the pressing issues surrounding governance, technology, and social justice, but it also cultivated a sense of community among alumni. By bringing together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovative thinking, the event aims to empower its members to play an active role in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria and the wider world.
At the end of the conference, delegates and alumni called on the government to aggregate and harness contributions to develop viable and sustainable solutions to the nation's challenges. As participants departed, they carried the inspiration and the practical tools necessary to enact meaningful change.
