350 academics to storm UNN for 6th African regional conference

At least, three-hundred and fifty academics, comprising Vice Chancellors and Deans of Science are expected to participate at the 6th African Regional Conference of Vice Chancellors and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technology, (COVIDSET).
The conference scheduled for October 4th to 7th, 2015 will be hosted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.
Vice Chancellor of the UNN, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday, said the UNN would be the first University in Nigeria “to host such prestigious African Conference in Nigeria”, even as as he noted that “the conference will indeed offer us a good opportunity to showcase Nigeria and her rich potentials”.
He added that the biennial regional COVIDSET, 2015, which is being organized by the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions, will provide a platform for policy leaders and policy makers to exchange ideas, share experiences and good practices.
Ozumba further stated that the conference would “sensitize policy makers and University leaders on current and emerging trends in Science, Engineering Technology and Innovation, (SETI) for Africa’s global competitiveness and develop strategies and actions for enhancing University education and training for high post 2015.
The conference would centre on “state of SETI education in Africa- challenges and opportunities post 2015; climate change and sustainable development: the role of research institutions and universities in Africa; making SETI relevant for youth employability post 2015 and research commercialization and higher education financing”.
“From past experience of the last COVIDSET, we are expecting over 350 participants from among leaders of institutions responsible for teaching and research from Nigeria and other countries in Africa”, the VC concluded.

Education 05:36