NESG Reaffirms Commitment To Health, Education

Ahead of the upcoming 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #30), the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s education and health sectors through strategic collaborations and partnerships.

The summit is scheduled for October 14-16, 2024,

During a recent press engagement, Gbemisola Ibrahim, Head of Workforce Management and Academy at the NESG, reiterated the organization’s focus on driving meaningful interventions in these critical sectors.

“The NESG, through its policy commission structure, has made considerable progress in both education and health. The NESG Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting these commissions, contributing to the development of knowledge products that are actively used in Nigeria today. One of our key long-term objectives is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. We have collaborated with NGOs to design curricula that have already been adopted in some Nigerian schools. Moving forward, we aim to expand these partnerships to increase our impact both in Nigeria and across Africa,” Ibrahim stated.

Ibrahim also underscored the NESG Academy’s essential role in preparing volunteers for the intricate landscape of policy reform.

“The Academy was founded nine years ago to equip our volunteers—whether they are seasoned experts, mid-level professionals, or early-career individuals—with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex policy reform space. We focus on building their capacity to ensure they can effectively contribute to our mission,” she explained.

Today, the NESG Academy has evolved into a platform that promotes value-based citizenship and leadership, offering educational resources not only to volunteers and staff but also to the general public. “We are committed to ensuring that the knowledge we produce at the Academy is accessible and impactful, reaching citizens across different segments of society,” Ibrahim added.

As the NESG marks its 30th anniversary, Ibrahim reflected on the organization’s achievements over the years: “As we approach NES #30, there is much to celebrate. From our founding members to past directors, private sector partners, volunteers, and many others who have contributed to our journey, the NESG has evolved into a dynamic platform encompassing policy roundtables, the Policy Innovation Centre, and the Ernest Shonekan Centre.”

Several activities have been planned to commemorate this milestone, including pre-summit events, the National Economic Dialogue, and student art and essay competitions, with the winners to be announced at the Summit.

“At NESG, everything we do is in the national interest, and this is reflected in the Academy’s dedication to fostering responsible citizenship. Through our educational programs, we provide citizens with the tools they need to be active participants in national development. For example, our ‘Know Your Rights’ video series simplifies the Nigerian constitution in an engaging format, while our civic education curriculum encourages accountability and peaceful cohabitation,” Ibrahim explained.

She also highlighted some of the Academy’s key offerings, such as Policypedia   , the Learning Management System (LMS), and the Monthly Webinar Series. “Policypedia is an initiative that disseminates knowledge on civic education, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The LMS promotes e-learning, allowing us to reach a broader audience digitally, with around 80 courses available to volunteers. Additionally, our monthly webinars feature guest speakers from various fields, sharing their expertise,” she elaborated.

The NESG Academy also focuses on enhancing employability skills, offering courses in areas such as career planning and skill development. “Approximately 80% of our courses are available to the public free of charge, with a screening process in place to ensure the right participants are selected,” Ibrahim concluded.