In a resounding success for educators, researchers, and stakeholders in the realm of education and research, the curtains came down on the International CURE Conference yesterday 30th November 2023 at the Dr. Peter Mbah Auditorium, Godfrey Okoye University. The conference, held under the theme "Bridging the Gap: Integrating Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) for Sustainable Education and Innovation," exceeded expectations as a dynamic platform for exploring the transformative potential of CURE in education and research.
The conference underscored Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) as a groundbreaking approach, providing undergraduates with valuable early-stage and in-depth research engagements that go beyond traditional classroom settings. The program involves entire cohorts of students collaboratively addressing pertinent research questions and distinctive problems of interest to the academic community.
Distinguished speakers, including Prof. Chidieber Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, and Prof. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke, Pro Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University and Professor of Law Director of the LLM and SJD International Legal Studies Programs , School of Law Golden Gate University, San Francisco, Los Angeles, USA as well as Prof. George Ude, the Carnegie African Diaspora Program Fellow and Director of DNA Learning Center Nigeria, delved into various facets of CURE. They discussed implementation strategies, design considerations, assessment methods, and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Eminent figures in academia and research, such as Dr. Erin Dolan from the University of Athens, Dr. Chichi Esimai from Bowie State University, Guy-Alain Amoussou, Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs at Bowie State University, and Michael Okoro, Deputy Director of DNA Learning Center Nigeria, shared their insights on how CURE can enhance student learning and foster innovation.
The Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs, Bowie State University, Guy-Alain Amoussou, highlighted ongoing partnerships with African institutions like Godfrey Okoye University, emphasizing the expansion of research development and learning. He urged Africa to focus on research and evidence-based learning.
The conference engaged attendees through modules and breakout sessions, providing hands-on learning and collaborative discussions on CURE design and implementation. A significant highlight was the showcase of research projects by Biotechnology students of Godfrey Okoye University, focusing on DNA Barcoding of Mushrooms.
The conference also had participants from across the globe notably, from USA, Pakistan and many other African countries with representatives from almost all the states of Nigeria who joined virtually.
This momentous event spotlighted the commitment of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program and Godfrey Okoye University to advancing knowledge and innovation. The International CURE Conference was made possible with the support of esteemed organizations, including the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP), Godfrey Okoye University, DNA Learning Center Nigeria, and Bowie State University.
As promised, the conference emerged as a pivotal moment in shaping the future of education through the integration of CURE in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The impact of this transformative experience is expected to reverberate in the educational landscape for years to come.