News

Professors Without Borders Kicks Off Empowering Digital Learning Week at UNILAG

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Over 200 students and faculty members gathered on Monday, July 21, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the official launch of the fourth annual Professors Without Borders (PWB) programme, a week-long intensive focused on “Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Digital Transformation.”

In a statement signed by Oluseyi Sodiya, Senior Manager for Project and Digital Product at PWB, the event was described as a powerful kick-off to an impactful week of hands-on, globally inspired learning.

The opening ceremony featured distinguished guests including Barrister Babatunde Ogundare, representative of the Minister of Interior, and Professor Folashade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, who was represented by Professor Bola Oboh, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Research.

“We are delighted to host this remarkable initiative for the fourth consecutive year,” Professor Oboh said.

“The partnership between UNILAG and Professors Without Borders continues to provide our students and faculty with invaluable exposure to global perspectives and cutting-edge skills.”

The programme brings together a diverse team of international educators working alongside local professionals to deliver practical training aimed at building leadership and digital competencies among Nigerian students.

The teaching team includes: Dr. Bob Eckhart (Social Entrepreneurship) – Fulbright Scholar and Lead Professor for PWB Nigeria; Dr. Brieanne Beaujolais (Research Methods) – Social work researcher focused on social justice.

Others include, Charlie Dove-Edwin (Finance for Africa) – Investment banking veteran and Associate Professor at Richmond University, London; Peter-Frank Haarmans (Personal Branding) – Lecturer in marketing and branding at Hogeschool Tio, Netherlands and Oluseyi AJ Sodiya (AI Tools & Career Readiness) – Nigerian tech professional leading workshops with support from TotalEnergies volunteers

The programme is being coordinated by Titus Ayodele, Country Manager for PWB Nigeria, with support from Ambassador Dr. Olalekan Ajisafe and Dr. Aaron Akinloye.

From day one, students were immersed in hands-on sessions. Dr. Eckhart’s class challenged participants to design mobile applications, while Dr. Beaujolais guided students in developing research ideas and discussing methodological frameworks.

“The energy and enthusiasm of Nigerian students never fails to impress us,” said Dr. Eckhart. “We threw them straight into real-world problem solving, and they responded with creativity, innovation, and genuine passion.”

The students’ response surpassed expectations, with many applauding the practical, interactive teaching style—a departure from traditional lecture-based formats.

The programme is also providing faculty members with opportunities to enhance their teaching techniques through exposure to international educational models.

“This programme represents exactly the kind of knowledge exchange that strengthens our institutions,” read part of the welcoming statement. “Our students benefit from global expertise, while our faculty gain valuable insight into diverse teaching methodologies.”

Running through July 25, the five-day programme will cover essential topics such as social entrepreneurship, African finance, research methods, artificial intelligence tools, and personal branding—equipping students with job-market-ready skills.

This UNILAG session is part of PWB’s broader five-year strategic plan to reach over 15 Nigerian universities and train 2,000+ students by 2030, in alignment with Nigeria’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and human capital development.

Following the UNILAG programme, the Professors Without Borders team will move to Ekiti State University from July 28 to August 1 for a similar engagement.

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Foreign news

Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

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