Philanthropist Calls on Diaspora Nigerians to Drive Growth Through Federal Education Reforms
- Ajibade Omolade Chistianah
- 11 hours ago
- 1 min read
A Nigerian-American scholar and philanthropist has urged citizens living abroad to take strategic advantage of the Federal Government’s transnational education framework to support national development.
Speaking at the APC Economic Summit 2026 held at Nigeria House in New York, Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani emphasized that Nigerians in the diaspora possess the expertise, exposure and global networks needed to strengthen Nigeria’s education and economic systems. He encouraged professionals overseas to build structured partnerships with universities and training institutions back home.
According to him, the trans-border education initiative introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration presents an opportunity for knowledge exchange, academic collaboration and skills transfer. He noted that diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances to include direct intellectual and institutional contributions.
Tijani called for the establishment of vocational and innovation hubs across the country, stressing that practical skill development remains critical to economic expansion. He urged Nigerians abroad to introduce entrepreneurial training models that can stimulate job creation and improve productivity.
The professor highlighted the importance of aligning global best practices with local realities, adding that collaboration between foreign-based scholars and Nigerian institutions could accelerate research development and curriculum modernization.
Currently serving as Executive Director of the Office of Global Partnerships–Africa at Morgan State University, Tijani is widely known for his academic work in African and African Diaspora History. His research spans African nationalism, labour movements and decolonization studies.
Other party leaders present at the summit commended members of the APC diaspora network for their engagement and commitment to national progress, describing unity and sustained collaboration as essential to advancing Nigeria’s global standing.
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