Lucy Pearson, regional director of Sub-Saharan Africa, British Council, says the council is committed to fostering sustainable partnerships and innovations in education.

Ms Pearson gave the assurance at the council’s Going Global Africa Conference in Abuja, according to a statement by the council.

The conference’s theme was “Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Education Institutions and Systems in Africa.” It brought together policymakers, academics and youth advocates to address critical issues in tertiary education across Africa.

Ms Pearson said Nigeria’s minister of education, Tunji Alausa, unveiled the Nigerian Educational Sector Renewal initiative at the event.

The initiative is a six-pillar agenda aimed at modernising the country’s education system.

Ms Pearson said the conference featured focused sessions and panels, including learning labs on technology integration, employability, and international research partnerships.

The regional director said the discussions highlighted the importance of access to education for marginalised groups, including women and persons with disabilities.

According to Ms Pearson, the event featured a session on “Disability Inclusion in Tertiary Education.”

Ms Pearson quoted the acting country director of the British Council, Chilufya Besa, as saying the conference brought a renewed commitment to bridging skills gaps in Africa’s tertiary education.

“Going Global, established in 2004, continues to be a strategic platform for shaping the future of global education through collaboration and innovation.

“By bringing together industry stakeholders, we have made significant progress in aligning education with workforce needs,” Ms Pearson quoted Mr Besa as saying.

(NAN)