Conference - News Agency Of Nigeria

Lydia Beshel
Oct, Sat, 2025

MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC

Ranking

By Emmanuel Afonne

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), says the institution is working tirelessly to boost its digital ranking and leadership in education technology.

Peters said this during a news conference to assess the level of preparation for the 3rd MoodleMoot Africa 2025 conference, to be hosted in Abuja by NOUN from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10.

Peters said that NOUN decided to host the conference to prove its continental leadership in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

“The institution has taken a decisive step in its quest to improve its digital footprint, academic visibility and global ranking,” he said.

According to him, the conference is the first-ever to be hosted in Nigeria after two previous events hosted by South Africa.

“This conference will be held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre; it is not just about hospitality — it is a strategic showcase.

“NOUN is not just the host — it is the heartbeat of an event that will attract 24 countries, hundreds of innovators, and global attention to how technology is reshaping African education.

“With participants from 18 African countries and several others from Europe and beyond, NOUN uses the conference as a platform to demonstrate its leadership in digital learning and scalable education models.

“Key goals for NOUN at the MoodleMoot include enhancing its institutional digital ranking through international engagement and positioning itself as a policy influencer in Africa’s EdTech space.

“We also want to demonstrate our Moodle-powered learning innovation to a global audience. While many African institutions are still exploring how to integrate digital platforms, NOUN came to the conference with proof of scale,” he said.

The VC added that the Moodle-based system, which served no fewer than 170,000 students with cutting-edger learning analytics and hybrid delivery models, was built on open-source tools.

“With 400 delegates, including vice-chancellor, software developers and government officials, the conference becomes an active space for influence-building and agenda-setting.

“NOUN’s participation in global education conversations — particularly around open-source educational technologies, directly impacts its global visibility in academic indexing, international collaboration scores, research and innovation indicators.”

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, Prof. Grace Jokhtan, said the event is expected to be one of the best events organised by the institution.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

CIPM UK 2025 Conference to chart future of work amid disruption

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Thu, 2025

General News

CIPM UK 2025 Conference to chart future of work amid disruption

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) UK Branch will host its 2nd Annual Conference on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 in Bradford, United Kingdom.

It has the theme “Preparing for Future Disruptions: Building Resilience Against Economic, Technological, and Societal Disruptions Impacting the Workforce.”

The conference will convene global HR leaders, executives, academics, and policymakers to examine how organisations can anticipate disruption, foster resilience, and build future-ready workplaces.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Alim Abubakre, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Business School, Founder of TEXEM, UK and Board Member, Business Council for Africa; Emily Akanimoh, Group HR Manager, Four Marketing Group; Success Osideko, Board Member, Endoratech; among others.

According to CIPM UK, the conference offers a timely response to growing uncertainty caused by economic volatility, rapid technological advancement, and shifting societal expectations.

“In today’s unpredictable world, preparing for disruption is no longer optional—it is essential. This conference provides HR professionals and leaders with practical insights, shared experiences, and tools to place people at the heart of resilient strategies,” the Institute said in a statement.

The conference will feature plenaries on bridging the skills gap through apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring; embedding digital literacy and lifelong learning; and attracting, retaining, and supporting Gen Z and Gen Alpha talent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Abubakre said: “The future of work demands courage, creativity, and compassion. By investing in talent pipelines through apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring, employers can not only safeguard their organisations but also empower the next generation to thrive in a volatile world.

”This confab is more than an event—it is a call to action to build workplaces that are resilient, inclusive, and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”

The two-day event will also feature a Gala and Awards Night to celebrate excellence and leadership in HR across categories such as Mentorship, Professional Excellence, Community Service, and Lifetime Achievement.

Organisers say the conference will serve as a catalyst for transformation, equipping participants with strategies to build adaptive, purpose-driven, and future-proof organisations.

The CIPM UK Branch is a community for Nigerian CIPM members located in the UK, offering networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional support, and was officially inaugurated on Nov. 16, 2022.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

ECOWAS must match words with action to defeat Lassa Fever – Tomori

Lydia Beshel
Sep, Tue, 2025

Health

ECOWAS must match words with action to defeat Lassa Fever – Tomori

ECOWAS

By Racheal Abujah

A renowned virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, has called on West African governments to take concrete steps to defeat Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease that continues to ravage the region.

Tomori, a former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, made the call in his keynote address at the 2nd International Lassa Fever Conference on Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

According to him, although progress has been made since the first conference in 2019, many of the challenges identified then still persist.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases”.

It seeks to reaffirm regional commitment, mobilise political will, and drive collective action against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases.

Tomori said that Lassa fever still recorded an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases annually, with about 5,000 deaths, mostly in West Africa, despite decades of research and intervention efforts.

“ECOWAS must match words with action. Without genuine political will and government ownership, we will continue to recycle the same promises and hold meetings without meaningful action,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements since 2019, he cited the establishment of five major laboratories capable of testing epidemic-prone diseases and conducting genomic sequencing.

The virologist also cited the expansion of field epidemiology training programmes and the deployment of community-level surveillance platforms across ministries.

He,however, complained that several gaps remained, including the absence of a licensed vaccine, uneven access to diagnostics, donor-dependent funding, weak cross-border coordination, and persistent stigma that delays patients from seeking care.

He urged ECOWAS member states to invest more resources, strengthen regional surveillance systems and accelerate vaccine research and community-led interventions.

“The 2025 conference is a wake-up call for us to take bold and coordinated steps.

“We cannot continue to rely on donors while our people remain at risk of repeated outbreaks,” he said.

NAN reports that the four-day meeting is convened by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Health and Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Health.

It brings together scientists, policymakers, and development partners to review progress and chart the way forward in the fight against Lassa fever. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Thu, 2025

Metro

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the recently rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is fully booked till 2027.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He recalled that the FCT Administration came under criticism for spending huge resources to rehabilitate and upgrade the conference centre to international standard.

He said that some people condemned the decision to refurbish the centre, adding that Tinubu had just hosted an ECOWAS meeting at the centre.

According to him, people and organisations are now rushing the edifice to hold their events.

“You know Nigerians can pretend. They like good things, but they pretend as if they don’t.

“As I speak to you, that conference centre has been booked now till 2027. No space.

“In fact, I saw the application by the Deputy Speaker on constitutional amendment but there is no space, no day, but I’m trying to adjust if he can pay on time, because it’s not free.

“There’s nothing like a national assembly this or that, you have to pay something for us to sustain the facility.”

He commended Tinubu for taking a decisive decision to move the country forward.

He noted that there could be some challenges being experienced in the country, adding that and that’s the essence of leadership.

According to him, no leader can succeed without taking decisions that might come with criticism.

“No leader can succeed without taking a decision because people will say something – people must say something because if you don’t take that decision, people will say something.

“If you take the decision, people will say something. Therefore, do something.

“For me, that’s all about what we are doing in FCT. We are not here to make only big men happy; we are here to make big men and poor people happy.

“That’s what will move this country forward and that’s what the President has shown.”

He explained that the Kugbo bus and taxi terminal being inaugurated, alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction would sanitise public transportation in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Over 70% of Africa affected by insecurity – Expert

isaac aregbesola
Oct, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

Over 70% of Africa affected by insecurity – Expert

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mr Patrick Agbambu, International Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Security Watch, says over 70 per cent of Africa remains affected by various levels of insecurity.

Agbambu disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while speaking with newsmen on the upcoming 18th edition of Africa Security Watch Award and Conference slated for December in Doha, Qatar.

He said that insecurity in the continent had resulted stagnation of development and fears with too many of the citizens trapped in poverty.

“It is within this context that we at the Security Watch Africa Initiatives (SWAI) have chosen the theme for the 18th Africa Security Watch Awards & Conference: “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance towards the Enhancement of Peace and Security in Africa”, he said.

Agbambu said that Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Borno counterpart, Prof. Babagana Zulum, were billed to speak at the event.

He said the Lagos State Governor would deliver a key paper on the conference theme focusing on Lagos example.

He added that the theme was carefully chosen to speak directly to the heart of the challenges and set the stage for actionable discussions that would help pave the way for a more peaceful and secure Africa.

According to him, the foremost responsibility of any government or leadership is to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its citizens.

He said it was through responsive and people-centred governance that societies can thrive, where policies are crafted with the people in mind, ensuring peace, stability, and security for all.

“Sadly, our beloved continent of Africa continues to face significant challenges in this regard.

“The conference is designed to deliver a practical and insightful solution to various security challenges in Africa with the selection of distinguished keynote speakers, lead paper presenters, and panellists from across the continent and beyond.

“These esteemed individuals will address critical topics that are pivotal to shaping a secure future for Africa,” he said.

Agbambu said that 30 personalities, corporate organisations and agencies from across Africa will be awarded with Crystal Award Trophies in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace and security on the African continent.

“At Security Watch Africa Initiatives, we believe that security encompasses everything that threatens human lives and valuables, and this is reflected in our award categories.

“From leadership and governance to the armed forces, police, medical professionals, the media, hospitality, transportation, and humanitarian service honour those who make our continent safer and better,” he added.

A member of Board of Trustee, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the choice of Qatar was both symbolic and practical.

According to Usman, it exemplifies a country that places immense value on humanity, consistently striving to enhance the quality of life for its people.

“We believe that participants will experience the best practices in that country and through this experience, we can learn invaluable lessons that can be applied in Africa.

“In addition, we are bringing some Qatar’s senior government and security officials to engage with our participants and share insights on their approach to security and governance.

“Most importantly, this event will once again provide a platform to showcase African finest to a global audience,” he said. (NAN)