The Pan African University (PAU) has successfully concluded its annual “PAU Education Days”, a landmark event that brought together key stakeholders in the field of education, science, and technology from across Africa and beyond. The event, which held on July 30-31, 2024, at the Yaoundé Conference Center, Cameroon, spanned two days of insightful sessions, impactful speeches, and vibrant discussions aimed at advancing higher education and fostering international cooperation. It also brought together key stakeholders in African education, including government officials, diplomats, academics, and students.

The event commenced with a high-profile opening ceremony that set the tone for the discussions to follow. Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Cameroon, and H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, presided over the ceremony. The presence of the European Union Ambassador to the African Union Commission further emphasized the event's significance and underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing African higher education.

In his keynote address, Prof. Belhocine emphasized the significance of 2024 as the African Union's Year of Education. He highlighted the PAU's role in implementing the AU's education policies and strategies, stating, "The Pan African University materializes the implementation of the African Union's policies and strategies in education. It is the academic institution that offers cutting-edge training in strategic and relevant fields through its various institutes."

The event featured a series of sessions focusing on the PAU's five institutes: PAUSTI (Kenya), PAULESI (Nigeria), PAUGHSS (Cameroon), and PAUWES (Algeria). Directors of these institutes shared their achievements, challenges, and future perspectives, demonstrating the PAU's commitment to providing quality higher education across the continent.

A key highlight of the event was the session on "Employability of Pan African University Graduates," which addressed the challenges and best practices in preparing students for the job market. The discussion included insights from PAU alumni, showcasing the real-world impact of the university's programs.

The event also explored the role of digitalization, AI, and innovation in scaling up the quality of higher education in Africa. Experts from various fields, including Prof. Jean Emmanuel Pondi, Rector of the ICT University; and Dr. Eric Tambo from the United Nations University, shared their perspectives on harnessing technology for educational advancement.

International cooperation was a central theme throughout these Education Days. The session "Capitalizing on International Cooperation to Develop Higher Education in Africa" featured panelists from various organizations, including the EU, CAMES, GIZ, and the African Development Bank, highlighting the importance of global partnerships in strengthening African higher education.

The event equally addressed the establishment of the PAU Institute for Space Sciences (PAUSS), discussing the challenges and opportunities in this emerging field of study for the continent. This session featured insights from experts such as Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, Head of STI Division, ESTI Department, AUC; and Dr. Ifriky Tadadjeu, CEO of Nanosatellite Missions Design, highlighting the importance of space sciences in Africa's educational and technological future.

As the Year of Education continues, the PAU Education Days have set a strong foundation for ongoing discussions and initiatives to improve higher education across Africa. The event reinforced the PAU's commitment to producing high-quality human resources through advanced education and research, aligning with the continent's development imperatives and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.