Bristol, UK — Centre of Excellence (Lagos State) Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a reimagining of higher education across Africa, urging stakeholders to align learning with the demands of modern economies.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) in Bristol, the governor emphasized the need for academic systems that equip students with practical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and global competitiveness.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Centre of Excellence (Lagos) as an example of what can be achieved when young people are supported to explore opportunities in technology, creative industries, and business. He described CASET as a platform with the potential to expand this model across the continent.
Drawing from his administration’s achievements, he pointed to strategic collaborations between the public and private sectors that have resulted in major infrastructure milestones in the state. These include the expanding metro rail network, Africa’s largest rice mill, West Africa’s most advanced seaport, and a unified transport system linking road, rail, and waterways.
“We approach development with boldness and scale and our goal is to improve lives and create meaningful opportunities for our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor noted that CASET’s mission to uplift African communities through education and economic empowerment aligns with the broader aspirations of Lagos State.
In his role as Patron of the initiative, Sanwo-Olu pledged continued support and collaboration with universities, governments, businesses, and international organizations to help shape a continent defined not by hardship but by energy, resourcefulness and drive.
“For us in Lagos, ambition and audacity are signature features for all that we do. We seek to build at scale to positively transform the lives and livelihoods of our people. This is why the vision and mission of CASET, to empower people and communities in Africa, resonates deeply with me.
As a Patron, I’m proud to support this mission. Together with universities, governments, businesses, and global partners, we can build an Africa defined not by its challenges, but by its energy, innovation, and ambition,” the statement read.
