Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged African countries to unlock new pathways for youths, by reforming higher education to be more entrepreneurial and relevant to the fast-changing dynamics of the 21st century.
Delivering a keynote address yesterday at the launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England, Bristol, Sanwo-Olu said a bold transformation of the educational landscape was needed to harness the continent’s vast youthful potential.
“The transformation we seek is not an abstract ideal; it is real, a call to action, and it is urgent. A call to harness our collective resources, talents and networks to create real opportunities for millions across Africa,” he said.
The governor, who serves as patron of CASET, described the centre as a beacon of promise for Africa and a timely platform to turn visionary ideas into tangible impact.
He said Lagos State would be a “willing and committed partner” in forging partnerships to advance CASET’s mission.
“Lagos State will do its best to help forge additional partnerships. We are proud to support a movement that fosters collaborative research, builds institutional capacity, and promotes African voices in shaping our shared future,” the governor said.
Reiterating the importance of youth empowerment, he emphasised the demographic strength of Africa, noting that over 60 per cent of the continent’s 1.4 billion people were under the age of 25.
He cited Lagos as a prime example of a thriving African megacity leading by example, with a vibrant creative sector, emerging tech ecosystem and major infrastructure projects driven by public-private partnerships.
“We have delivered transformational infrastructure, including a metro rail system, West Africa’s most modern seaport and Africa’s largest rice mill. We are also building the largest food logistics park in West Africa and one of the continent’s largest paediatric hospitals,” Sanwo-Olu said
Highlighting the role of Lagos in driving the goals of Agenda 2063, African Union’s vision for prosperity and sustainable development, the governor said the state would continue to invest in education, capacity building and digital innovation to foster inclusive growth.
“As governor of Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse, I have seen first-hand how targeted investments in education, technology and enterprise can indeed transform lives.”
He praised the leadership of the University of the West of England, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Steven West, and founding Director of CASET, Prof. Paschal Anosike, for their commitment to Africa’s development.
