Workshop Overview

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), through its Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies (CEM&GS), is set to host its annual one-day workshop on migration, development, and human security. The event, themed "Migration, Development and Human Security: Emerging Academic Perspectives," is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the NOUN Conference Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

This workshop aims to bring together academics, policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders to examine emerging migration issues and their implications for development and human security.

Objectives and Sponsorship

Speaking ahead of the event, the Director of CEM&GS, Prof. Moses Etila Shaibu, stated that the workshop is designed to broaden the knowledge of academics within and outside NOUN, as well as policymakers and other stakeholders on emerging trends in migration. He emphasized that the initiative would stimulate scholarly engagement and generate insights that could inform curricula development in tertiary institutions, research institutes, and specialized centers.

According to Prof. Shaibu, migration has become a major global issue with significant implications for development, security, climate change, and social transformation. He noted that continuous engagement among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners is essential for promoting evidence-based research and policy responses.

The workshop is fully sponsored by NOUN, with additional support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other development partners committed to advancing migration research, policy dialogue, and capacity building.

Participant Engagement

Participants are expected from NOUN and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria, as well as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), TETFund, government agencies, non-governmental and civil society organizations working in the migration sector, and other stakeholders involved in migration governance and management.

Attendees will benefit from expert presentations and discussions on contemporary migration issues, including the relationship between migration and climate change. The workshop will also provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Keynote Address and Impact

Prof. Shaibu noted that the annual workshop has become an important platform for fostering partnerships, strengthening research capacity, and promoting informed policy responses to migration-related challenges in Nigeria and beyond. The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, will serve as the Chief Host, while the Pioneer Director of the Centre for Migration at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ike Odimegwu, will deliver the keynote address.

The workshop is expected to deepen understanding of emerging migration trends, promote interdisciplinary research, and contribute to the development of practical solutions that support sustainable development and human security.