CSC Alumni Nigeria- COSFAN end of year workshop
Alumnus Olufunke Baruwa delivers opening remarks
Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) organised an evening reception and workshop for Commonwealth Alumni and Distance Learning Scholars on the theme ‘Galvinising strategic partnerships for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’.
The workshop commenced with a welcome address delivered by Commonwealth Alumnus, Olufunke Baruwa (2011 Distance Learning Scholar, PG Cert Public Policy and Management, University or York). Following introductions, Debbie Palmer, Head of Office, Department for International Development (DFID), delivered the keynote to inspire alumni to contribute to the SDGs and ensure that their vision and activities are in alignment with DFID and the CSC.
She noted that Nigeria is an incredible partner to the UK, stating ‘You are a fantastic group of talented, skilled, educated people. You are living and working in Nigeria and together you have a strong voice and I encourage you to make your voices heard.’
She highlighted that SDG 17, ‘Partnerships for the goals’, which aims to revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development, is the spirit of what Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows bring and urged them to use their networks to positively impact their societies and communities.
She further encouraged alumni to make their voices heard on achieving improved sanitations, access to public health care, standard education, skills acquisition demanding for more and a better system to help achieve the SDGs. She also stated that DFID is investing in its partnership with Nigeria across a range of activities and urged them to make their voices heard.
Commonwealth Alumnus Abiola Adimula (2010 Professional Fellow, Public Health, The Haven Wolverhampton), President, COSFAN, noted that the association would seek to make a positive impact to Nigerian society, adding that they were making themselves available to collaborate with government departments and other organisations towards enhancing education and other relevant sectors in the country.
Alumni take part in discussions
An immediate outcome of the workshop was the news that the Federal Ministry of Education has identified six government departments that COSFAN members will be engaged in. Also, TETFund, Federal Ministry of Health and National Television Authority, would be delighted to collaborate with COSFAN in future.
Photos from the event are available on CSC Flickr
If you are a Commonwealth Alumnus and would like to find out more about CSC events and activities taking place in Nigeria, please contact alumni@cscuk.org.uk
You can also get involved in the local alumni association, Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) which is coordinated by an elected Executive Committee of alumni and is supported in its work by the British Council Nigeria.
