In a landmark move for South-South cooperation, twenty newly appointed Vice-Chancellors from Nigeria concluded a transformative three-day summit at The University of the West Indies (UWI) headquarters in Jamaica last week. The high-level delegation, representing Nigeria’s extensive network of approximately 280 public and private universities, engaged in intensive dialogues with Caribbean academic leaders from February 10-12.
The initiative, orchestrated by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), sought to expose emerging university leaders to UWI’s acclaimed institutional model. Times Higher Education ranks UWI among the top 3.6% of global universities, making it an exemplary case study for institutions navigating contemporary challenges in higher education.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles characterized the gathering as “a spiritual moment” during opening ceremonies, reflecting on Nigeria’s profound intellectual influence on UWI’s development. “We cannot tell our history without connecting to those fundamental moments,” Beckles noted, emphasizing the deeply rooted historical ties between the regions.
The summit agenda featured robust exchanges on strategic planning, research development, curriculum quality, and preparations for global competitive rankings. A particularly pressing topic involved strategies for achieving greater institutional impact with constrained financing—a challenge familiar to many universities across the Global South.
Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic and prominent West Indian diaspora member, delivered a powerful keynote address advocating for purpose-driven universities and indigenous publishing systems. His presentation highlighted the critical need to amplify research from Global South institutions on the international stage.
Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UWI Five Islands Campus, delivered closing remarks that framed the collaboration as strategic imperative rather than optional partnership. “South-South collaboration is not a consolation prize,” Robinson asserted. “The solutions to challenges facing developing nations will increasingly come from institutions like ours—working together, learning from one another, and refusing to wait for permission to lead.”
The enthusiastic participation of all UWI Principals and Pro Vice-Chancellors throughout the event demonstrated institutional commitment to the ONE UWI vision, fostering an atmosphere of genuine collaboration and meaningful dialogue that participants expect to catalyze future joint initiatives.