- To discuss funding, sustainability, and innovation
University leaders across the Commonwealth are to meet in Lagos from May 21-22, 2026.
The meeting which is to bring together Vice-chancellors, university founders, policymakers, financiers, registrars, bursars, and education strategists is holding to focus on issues of funding, sustainability, and institutional innovation in higher education.
The meeting which is a high-level gathering which is organised by the Commonwealth Institute, is aimed to offer practical, actionable strategies to strengthen university systems at a time when institutions face mounting financial pressures, regulatory demands, and global competition.
The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers whose combined expertise spans public policy, finance, technology, governance, and academic leadership.
Among the speakers expected are: Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Wale Adeosun, a respected investment professional and infrastructure financier, Ayo Abina, an experienced development finance and advisory expert as well as Professor Yakubu Ochefu, a former Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
Others are: Ummahani Ahmad Amin, a Capital Market Solicitor and expert of Interest-free finance, Blackson Bayewumi, Country Director, The Royal Commonwealth Society, Sola Longe-Okenimkpe, a finance and education sector specialist, and Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, a seasoned academic leader and chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria.
The event will be moderated by Anthon Kila, a Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development, and Commonwealth Institute Director.
According to the organisers, the conference is deliberately designed as a working forum rather than a purely academic exercise. Participants will engage directly with experts and peers on issues such as revenue diversification, research commercialisation, donor engagement, and executive education as alternative income streams.
A key highlight of the event will be discussions on the proposed Commonwealth Collegium, an initiative to foster collaboration among universities through shared research, academic exchange, and funding partnerships across Commonwealth countries.
With its blend of policy insight, financial expertise, and academic leadership, the Lagos conference is expected to be a critical platform for rethinking how universities can achieve resilience, relevance, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving global education landscape.
Register here: https://ciaps.org/event/commonwealth-institute-universities-leaders-conference/
