International University of Grand-Bassam (Ivory Coast) -at the International Conference on Education Development in Ifran Morocco
Prof. Saliou Touré, IUGB President, and Prof. Ahmed Legrouri, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, were invited by Prof. Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), Morocco, and Prof. Abdellah Chekayri, Conference Chair, to attend the Third International Conference on Education Development: Opportunities for Innovation, which took place in Ifrane on July 14-16, 2022.
This important event witnessed the large participation of experts and research students from 11 countries; namely, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, France, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Spain and USA. More than 38 institutions participated, with three keynote addresses and more than 40 presentations.
President Touré delivered the opening keynote address of the Conference by indicating that the theme of this international event is current given the importance of the African continent in today’s world. This importance necessarily involves offering quality education to the youth as the leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, the role of education and universities is essential in the process of emergence in Africa. He articulated his intervention around three main points.
In the first part, he showed the importance of Africa in relation to its young human capital and its natural wealth. Then, he discussed the role of universities and scientific research in the training of young African talents who will act as the lever for the transformation of natural resources in a sustainable manner and for the economic development of the continent. He ended his speech with an appeal to African leaders to continue to support education and research activities with a view to contributing to the transformation of Africa.
At the end of the keynote presentation, President Bensaid presented President Toure with a Conference trophy in recognition of his keynote address and his dedication to advancing education in Africa. During the gala dinner, President Toure offered institutional gifts to President Bensaid and Prof. Chekayri for their invitation and as a token of the friendship between AUI and IUGB.
Prof. Legrouri contributed to the Conference as a member of its Scientific Committee and chaired its first session. He was recognized, during the gala dinner, for his academic and administrative records and his track of more than 40 years of dedication to the service of higher education and scientific research in the African continent and the Middle East & North Africa region. He received a trophy from the hands of the two Presidents of AUI and IUGB.