More than half of the world’s population growth to 2050 is projected to occur in Africa, increasing the continent’s population to 2.5 billion people, according to the UN Population Division. And many of these will be young job seekers – the median age in Africa will be 25.4 years in 2050. As such, the creation of quality jobs in the world’s youngest continent will become ever more pressing, and people will require the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing and competitive global marketplace.
Substantial public investment in education, with rigorous teacher training and a focus on technological and scientific skills, together with infrastructure development and engagement with the private sector, will all be crucial to ensuring future prosperity and stability for Africa’s citizens.
At this event, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, the speakers will assess the state and needs of higher education in Africa, and how the sector can be improved, and discuss how African decision-makers and their foreign partners can ensure the improvements needed in education to ensure Africa’s future prosperity.
This event will be livestreamed.
Participants
HE Professor Sarah Anyang Agbor, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, African Union Commission
Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan
Chair: Dr Alex Vines OBE, Research Director, Area Studies and International Law; Head, Africa Programme
