Professor Paschal is Chair in African Research and Partnerships, Director Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET), and Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of the West of England, Bristol. His research has featured in top-tier scientific journals and substantially influenced Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystems and higher education innovation and policy.
As a subject matter expert for intergovernmental bodies, including the African Union Commission, he has delivered keynote addresses and spoken widely on these topics at major global platforms, including the World Economic Forum and Horasis.
Professor Ismail Ibraheem is a leading scholar of Journalism and Communication Studies and Director of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects at the University of Lagos. With over 28 years of cross-sector experience, he is renowned for innovation in international education, policy development, and strategic institutional growth.
He serves as Uptake Director for Africa with the African Cities Research Consortium (University of Manchester), Chair of the Cable News Foundation Nigeria, Co-Chair for West Africa at Academics Stand Against Poverty, and Board Member at Endow Africa. A dedicated mentor, he has guided numerous students to leadership in academia and industry. His work, grounded in the theory of change, reflects his ability to build impactful programmes and partnerships.
Sherifat Aboaba is a Professor of Organic and Natural Product Chemistry and Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. She is actively involved in the Chemistry of fragrance and synthesis, especially in the development of plant-derived aromas for cosmetic products and therapy.
As director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, she is involved in mentoring students through the University’s Startup Community to equip them with the entrepreneurial mindset, attitude, and behaviour required to build business ventures from scratch to maturity.
Dr Isaac Akinwumi is the Director of the International Office and Linkages at Covenant University, Nigeria, championing it internationalisation strategy, partnerships, and mobility programmes. An Associate Professor of Civil Engineering with 16+ years of experience, he has authored 80+ peer-reviewed publications and secured grants from Innovate UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Education Collaborative, and the British Council.
Isaac is an innovation coach and advocate for equitable transnational education (TNE), he focuses on fostering sustainable global partnerships.
