Empowering and Advancing Africa's Scientific Enterprise
IAU Participates in the 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences
The International Association of Universities (IAU) was pleased to be represented by IAU Board Member Professor Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah at the 15th General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), held in Abuja, Nigeria from 9–12 December 2025.
Organized under the theme “Empowering and Advancing Africa's Scientific Enterprise,” the event brought together nearly 1,000 scientists, educators, policymakers, and leaders from across the African continent and beyond. The forum provided a space for collective reflection on the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Africa and the broader global scientific landscape.
Key topics included:
STEM education and research strategies
Brain-drain and brain-gain dynamics
Africa’s youthful population and the potential for a STEM-driven economy
The role of the African diaspora in scientific advancement
Women in science and mentorship
Funding mechanisms, scholarships, and opportunities for early-career researchers
Through his participation, Professor Na’Allah emphasized IAU’s support for international collaboration in higher education and research, and reiterated the Association’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s role in shaping global scientific progress.
The IAU commends the African Academy of Sciences for convening such an impactful event and looks forward to continued cooperation in support of science, innovation, and higher education on the continent.
