Educationists advise international students on nation-building

The Dean, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Sola Oni, encouraged Nigerians studying abroad or considering international education to utilise their experiences for the benefit of the nation.

This call to action came during SI Global Nigeria’s inaugural conference, titled, “Innovating Education for the Future,” which brought together policymakers, educators, parents, and students to discuss the current state of education in Nigeria and its prospects.

Held in Lagos, the hybrid conference addressed the challenges, regulatory considerations, and collaborative efforts necessary to foster an educational ecosystem that promotes innovation through international exchanges while advancing Nigeria and Africa.

The event featured keynote addresses from Canadian Trade Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Dindenbolo-Zaya Kuyena, and Dr Sola Oni.
 Oni, who delivered the second keynote speech, emphasised the importance of returning home after studying abroad and the potential for contributing to Nigeria’s growth.

She described this return not merely as a choice but as a responsibility, saying that the youth were well-positioned to drive the necessary change.

She stated, “Studying abroad is more than just obtaining a degree. It’s an opportunity to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, engage with world-class institutions, and develop skills that are in high demand in today’s economy. With over 70,000 Nigerians studying abroad each year, we must ask ourselves how we can leverage the education we receive for the greater good of our nation.”
“Our youth are key to solving our challenges. Over 40 per cent of our workforce is engaged in entrepreneurial pursuits, so think about the businesses you can create. Don’t just return and apply for jobs; come back to build businesses that provide jobs,” she said.

Dr Oni pointed out critical sectors for aspiring entrepreneurs, including agribusiness, real estate, construction, the Internet of Things, entertainment and media, logistics, and politics.

The conference was opened by Country Director, SI Global Nigeria, Mrs Mary Agbu, who set the stage for insightful discussions.

“The Global Study Conference is a platform to help anyone pursuing higher education think deeply about their next steps and the opportunities pivotal to their future,” she stated.

She urged students to engage with the panel sessions and take advantage of one-on-one interactions with key international universities.
“Take down key insights from the speakers, so when you visit the exhibition stands, you can have more meaningful discussions with university representatives,” she advised.

Kuyena, spoke about the importance of empowering students to make informed decisions.
“The choices you make today will have a fundamental impact on yourselves, your families, and society for years to come.”

To aspiring students, he advised, “Be unapologetically ambitious in setting your goals, but be realistic about how to achieve them.”

He noted that Canada was recruiting 80,000 to 100,000 Nigerian students, offering international students the option to become permanent residents or citizens.

However, he pointed out that many graduates were becoming part of Canada’s startup and entrepreneurial scene and are returning to Nigeria to leverage their education by launching successful fintech companies that are already making an impact.

The event featured four panel sessions. The first, titled “Emerging Degrees for Future Careers,” examined niche courses offered by universities and their financial viability for future careers. The panel included Head of International at SRUC, Mr Michael Lawson, and Regional Manager for Africa at Coventry University, Fiona Simon, and was moderated by , Chief Strategy Officer of SI Global Nigeria, Chuba Agbu.

The second panel, “Mastering Medical School Admissions Interviews,” aimed to equip students aspiring to study medicine abroad with strategies to enhance their applications at the interview stage. This session was led by William Doggo, Medics Programme Leader at ONCAMPUS UK North.

During the third panel, titled “Creating Portfolios for Creative Degrees,” aspirants were encouraged to use their portfolios to showcase not just their skills and talents but also to convey their individuality to universities. The panel featured Michelle Marshall, Program Director of Fashion Image at the School of Fashion, UCA, and Seyi Agboola, Senior Regional Recruitment Manager for Africa, the Middle East, and LATAM at UCA.
The final panel, “How Ready Are You for Life?” featured Adiba Ofungwu, Head of Strategy Execution and Special Projects at Avon Healthcare.

 She shared her career journey to inspire the young audience to navigate their own paths and embrace the twists and turns of their experiences.

The event attracted representatives from 20 international universities across the UK, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, six secondary schools, each with 20 to 30 students, participated, allowing students to engage in one-on-one sessions with university representatives about their areas of interest and preferred schools.