Etisalat has partnered ThistlePraxis Consulting for the fourth edition of the thought leadership session, Sustainable Conversations which will hold on February 8, 2014 in Lagos.

Sustainable Conversations is a quarterly thought leadership breakfast series that focuses on policy formation, and private/public synergies in the attainment of development for Nigeria. This quarter’s discussion is themed “Education: Building Viable Frameworks for Sustainability,” and would feature Prof Pai Obanya as Lead Discussant.

Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye said the company is pleased to support this initiative because “it addresses  critical sectors that require urgent attention and intervention.”

According to him, “Etisalat is throwing its weight behind this initiative because it would help address the critical needs of education via intellectual and analytical discussions that would point the way forward, assisting those who can and would want to intervene to know where to channel their resources to the benefit of the education sector.”

Ini Onuk, Lead Consultant/CEO of ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited, said the quarterly thought leadership is focusing on education because economies across Africa recorded weak investment in education in the 1980s and this has had a negative impacted on the quality of education and the infrastructure needed to sustain knowledge.

“Reversing this trend and investing in Africa’s people point to a central nexus: redevelopment in Africa’s higher education sector. If Nigeria must move out of its current situation, the private sector must support through the funding of intellectual research and inventions, and be a source for collaboration and sustainable partnerships.” She said.

The lead discussant, Prof Obanya, has over four decades of experience in the education sector. The renowned international education strategist is currently Chairman of Council of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Dr. Modupe Olateju, CEO, The Education Partnership Centre (TEP Centre) will be moderating the discussion, while other discussants include: Chrystina Russell, Chief Academic Officer, Kepler; Prof. Ngozi Osarenren, Professor of Counseling and Psychology, University of Lagos and Misan Rewane, Chief Executive, West Africa Vocational Education.

The discussions will culminate in a white paper that would be forwarded to relevant organs of government and other stakeholders.