Emmanuel Daudu
The African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, in collaboration with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has hosted a groundbreaking three-day international conference aimed at redefining Africa’s approach to science, artificial intelligence (AI), and climate change solutions.
The conference, held from December 4 to 6, 2024, at the CBN Centre of Excellence Auditorium, ABU, Zaria, carried the theme “Open Science, Open Knowledge, Artificial Intelligence, and Climate Change in Africa.”
This was contained in a statement signed by the
Public Relations Officer,
African Aviation & Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, Sa’adatu Usman.
Usman expressed that the workshop provided a unique platform for academia, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
She revealed that dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, represented by Dr. Emmanuel C. Meribole, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, lent gravitas to the event.
Dr. Ibinaiye Dorcas, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, set the stage with an overview of the conference objectives, while ABU’s Acting Librarian, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed, and AAAU’s Registrar, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, welcomed participants.
She added that the Vice-Chancellor of ABU declared the conference open, emphasizing the pivotal role of collaboration in leveraging science and technology for Africa’s growth.
The event brought together a prestigious lineup of global and local experts, including representatives from San Diego Mesa College (USA), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), and the University of Rwanda, as well as Nigerian institutions like the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), and Kaduna State University.
Key discussions revolved around the transformative potential of open science in driving innovation, AI’s ability to reshape African economies, and actionable strategies for climate change mitigation.
The diverse presentations highlighted the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges.
This landmark conference served as more than just a knowledge-sharing platform, it ignited meaningful collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and institutions, reinforcing the role of science, technology, and innovation in shaping a resilient and prosperous future for Africa.
The participation of international and local experts underscored the global relevance of the issues discussed, leaving participants inspired and equipped to drive change in their respective fields.