University Leaders, Financial Experts To Gather In Lagos For Commonwea8lth University Leaders Conference

…Gathering to focus on funding, sustainability, and institutional innovation in universities

Vice-chancellors, university founders, policymakers, financiers, registrars, bursars, and education strategists from across the Commonwealth are set to converge on Lagos on 21–22 May 2026 for the Commonwealth Institute Universities Leaders Conference, a high-level gathering focused on funding, sustainability, and institutional innovation in higher education.

Organised by the Commonwealth Institute, the conference aims to offer practical, actionable strategies to strengthen university systems at a time when institutions face mounting financial pressures, regulatory demands, and global competition.

The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers whose combined expertise spans public policy, finance, technology, governance, and academic leadership. Among the speakers expected are:

• Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, who brings deep insight into intervention funding and government-backed financing for tertiary institutions, making him central to discussions on accessing and managing public education funds.

• Wale Adeosun, a respected investment professional and infrastructure financier with a track record of raising funds for educational institutions, will provide perspective on structuring investments and attracting private capital into education, particularly in emerging markets.

• Ayo Abina, an experienced development finance and advisory expert, is expected to speak on building sustainable financial models and engaging institutional investors in the education sector.

• Professor Yakubu Ochefu, a former Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, offers extensive experience in university administration and policy coordination, bringing valuable insights into governance and system-wide reform.

• Ummahani Ahmad Amin, a Capital Market Solicitor and Expert of Interest-free finance, will contribute perspectives on alternative fundraising and cross-border academic engagement. Yemi Keri, a leading technology and digital transformation expert, will address donor expectations and share tips on attracting donors, partners and investors.

• Blackson Bayewumi, Country Director, The Royal Commonwealth Society, will share opportunities for universities across Commonwealth nations.

• Sola Longe-Okenimkpe, a finance and education sector specialist, will bring practical insights into financial management, resource optimisation, and institutional sustainability.

• Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, a seasoned academic leader and chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria, will offer insights into research development and funded collaborations between private and public universities.

The event will be moderated by Anthon Kila, a Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development, and Commonwealth Institute Director.

According to the organisers, the conference is deliberately designed as a working forum rather than a purely academic exercise.

Participants will engage directly with experts and peers on issues such as revenue diversification, research commercialisation, donor engagement, and executive education as alternative income streams.

A key highlight of the event will be discussions on the proposed Commonwealth Collegium, an initiative to foster collaboration among universities through shared research, academic exchange, and funding partnerships across Commonwealth countries.

With its blend of policy insight, financial expertise, and academic leadership, the Lagos conference is expected to be a critical platform for rethinking how universities can achieve resilience, relevance, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving global education landscape.

The link below has more information and a registration form for the Commonwealth Leaders Conference https://ciaps.org/event/commonwealth-institute-universities-leaders-conference/