The President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, delivered the keynote address at the 14th Convocation Lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, urging African countries to strengthen their position in global development and international politics.
The lecture, titled “Advancing Africa’s Positioning within Global Development and Geopolitical Dynamics”, was held at the Conference Centre of the NOUN Headquarters in Abuja. The event brought together top academics, policymakers, students, and members of the diplomatic community.
The occasion was chaired by renowned academic and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
In his address, Dr. Adesina highlighted the need for Africa to move from the margins to the centre of global decision-making. He called for stronger institutions, youth empowerment, regional integration, and better use of the continent’s vast resources.
Dr. Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and an internationally respected development economist, told the audience that Africa must no longer be content with being seen as a recipient of global aid but must be an active player in shaping global outcomes.
Africa must no longer be seen as a continent of problems but as a land of opportunities, innovation, and transformation,” Adesina said. “We must reposition ourselves to influence global decisions that affect our economies, environment, and security.”
He noted that with a young and rapidly growing population, abundant natural resources, and emerging digital markets, Africa holds a strategic place in the future of the world. However, he warned that unless the continent takes deliberate steps to assert itself, it risks being left behind in the fast-changing global landscape.
“Africa must invest in education, infrastructure, and innovation to harness its demographic dividend,” he said.
The AfDB President praised the role of institutions like NOUN in making education more accessible, especially through open and distance learning. He encouraged more investment in education technology and digital skills training to prepare the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs.
“The world is being transformed by technology, and Africa must not be left behind. We need to equip our youth not just to survive, but to lead in the digital age,” Adesina said.
He commended NOUN for its efforts in expanding access to higher education across Nigeria, especially in underserved rural and remote areas. “NOUN is helping democratize education, and this is vital for national development,” he said.
Speaking on geopolitical challenges, Adesina said Africa must avoid being caught in the middle of global rivalries, particularly between major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia. Instead, he urged African leaders to prioritize strategic alliances that support the continent’s development goals.
He pointed out that African countries should speak with one voice on issues like climate change, debt relief, and fair trade policies. “We must ensure that Africa’s interests are protected and promoted on the world stage,” he said.
Dr. Adesina highlighted the importance of African unity and regional integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he described as a game-changer for economic growth. He called on governments to break down trade barriers, support cross-border infrastructure, and harmonize regulations to boost intra-African trade.
“A united Africa is a strong Africa. The time has come for us to act as one continent with shared aspirations” he said.
In his remarks, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who chaired the lecture, praised Dr. Adesina for his insightful presentation and described the topic as both timely and relevant. He urged Nigerian policymakers to take the points raised in the lecture seriously.
“Dr. Adesina has challenged us all to think beyond our borders and consider how we can build an Africa that is not only respected globally but also self-reliant and sustainable,” Prof. Jega said.
He also applauded NOUN’s commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity, noting that distance learning has become a vital tool for educating Nigeria’s large and diverse population.
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, in his welcome address, thanked Dr. Adesina for accepting the university’s invitation and for sharing his vision for Africa’s future.
Prof. Peters said that NOUN remains committed to providing quality education and producing graduates who can compete globally. He noted that the 14th convocation marked another milestone in the university’s efforts to expand access to higher education in Nigeria.
“This university continues to play a vital role in national development by making higher education more accessible to millions of Nigerians who would otherwise be left behind,” Prof. Peters said.
He added that NOUN graduates are making significant contributions in fields such as public administration, health, education, agriculture, and business.
The convocation lecture, which attracted a large audience both physically and online, ended with a question-and-answer session during which Dr. Adesina responded to queries from students and academic staff on how African youth can engage in policy-making, business development, and sustainable agriculture.
The event was widely praised for shedding light on the broader issues facing Africa in the 21st century and the practical steps that need to be taken to ensure inclusive growth and global relevance.
