The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), Manssour Bin Mussallam, undertook an official visit to Abuja, Nigeria, where, among other activities, he presented the keynote speech during the 5th Continental African Curriculum Association (ACA) Conference. ACA is an OSC Associate Member. The Secretary-General also held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He was welcome to the Conference by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) with whom he held discussions exploring avenues for collaboration in curriculum development, knowledge exchange, and educational innovation.
At the ACA Conference, the Secretary-General’s speech, which was attended by distinguished education leaders, policymakers, and high-level executives from Nigeria and across the continent, underlined the pressing challenges facing the Greater South, particularly the need to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, safeguard and advance linguistic diversity, and drive bold curriculum innovation to prepare future generations.
During his visit, the Secretary-General met with, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Kashim Shettima with who he reaffirmed Nigeria’s pivotal role as a founding Member State of the OSC and focused on strengthening cooperation in several strategic areas, including the establishment of the OSC South-South Technology Transfers Centre for Africa — a cornerstone initiative to enable countries of the South to drive the technological revolution.
The Secretary-General also held bilateral meetings with the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani; and Honourable Minister of Education of Nigeria Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. These engagements centred on enhancing collaboration in development planning, digital transformation, and innovation, while also highlighting Nigeria’s role as an active Member State of the OSC and exploring opportunities to advance inclusive learning, foster curriculum reform, and respond to the evolving educational priorities of the Greater South.
The visit reaffirmed the strong ties between Nigeria and the OSC and underscored the Organisation’s commitment to fostering equitable partnerships, promoting innovation, and consolidating the collective strength of the Greater South.
