The members of the Australian Awards Alumni in Nigeria, South West chapter, have reignited calls for inclusive development, gender equality, and more innovative economic strategies, framing education as a transformative tool for long-term national growth.
They made this call during a workshop hosted by the organisation and recently held in Lagos. The event brought together accomplished scholars, policymakers, and diplomats, all united by one theme: inclusive empowerment.
Olajumoke Akiode, Southwest Coordinator of AAAN, during her training session on gender inclusion at the workshop, said, “A bird does not fly with one wing. Sustainable national development is only possible when both men and women are empowered equally.
Speaking further, Akiode emphasised that gender inclusion must extend beyond rhetoric to practical policymaking. She urged all stakeholders, government, civil society, and individuals, to challenge exclusion wherever it exists. “We are progressing, but at a snail’s pace,” she said.
“To move faster, we need everyone to call out exclusion, empower women economically, and give them equal seats at every decision-making table.”
The workshop, designed as both a capacity-building and networking forum, is part of a growing alumni movement where impactful discussions and peer collaborations can thrive, fostering development across Nigeria.
Alumni harness global networks for local impact
Also at the event, Abiodun Okunola, the National President of AAAN, called on members to leverage their Australian-acquired knowledge and networks for real impact. “There’s untapped power in this room,” he said. “We’ve not fully used the strength of our alumni network to drive solutions to Nigeria’s biggest challenges.”
In his address, Okunola underscored the need for smarter economic interventions, especially in agriculture. He critiqued the country’s subsidy programs and advocated instead for market-based models.
“When you pay subsidies to the wrong people, you fuel more inflation. If we want food price stability, we must support the right farmers, at the right time, in the right way,” he said. To support these goals, he announced plans to launch the AAAN Development Fund later this year. The fund will back projects tied to gender equity, trade, and climate finance, critical areas where alumni believe Nigeria can make significant strides.
The AAAN President also anchored a training session titled “21st Century Strategies for Adapting and Succeeding in a Developing Economy.”
Australia’s High Commissioner Hails Education’s Transformative Power
Also in attendance was Leilani Bin-Juda PSM, Australia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, who expressed admiration for the far-reaching impact of alumni contributions. “What we’ve seen today is living proof that education transforms not just individuals, but their families, communities, and entire industries,” Bin-Juda said.
This was her second visit to Lagos and her first direct interaction with the Southwest alumni chapter. She noted that Australia’s partnership with Nigeria remains strong, with three major focus areas; trade and investment, international education, and multilateral cooperation. According to Trading Economics, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $475 million in 2020, with Nigeria’s exports to Australia valued at $123.6 million in 2023. Key sectors include mining, agriculture, and education.
“This is not just about scholarships,” Bin-Juda said. “It’s about partnerships. And these alumni are the bridge between our nations.”
“Education is not just about taking a course, it’s about life-long transformation,” she added. “The results aren’t instant, but they are profound. You see them in two, five, ten years. That’s the power of education.”
Bin-Juda, herself from a remote Indigenous community in Queensland, acknowledged the need for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making.
“Women make up 50 percent of the population. Why shouldn’t they hold 50 percent of the equity in opportunity?” she asked.
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