A lot happened and was said on the first day of the conference that got me thinking. I must confess-I have been around so many people from so many different places. It was always going to be a splendid day for me and as I reflect and mull on what unfolded during the conference yesterday, I say I couldn’t have been more spot-on.

One of the speakers said that education is the key to unlocking 21st century challenges. Well it has to be. Education-me thinks-is a life long occupation, a costly journey and it is just invaluable. I believe that, for education to have a meaning and its desired effect, we need to have the desire to make a positive change. Education can be used to our detriment. For instance a scientist can harness his/her skill to make a bomb which can be harnessed to devastating effect to humankind. Thus, I think that for education to successfully meet 21st century challenges the-powers-that-be need plan properly and every child should have an opportunity to pursue a field of study they truly have a passion on. Of course, a lot of money should be channeled towards making quality  education accessible to everybody and if this happens,then I think education will successfully meet 21st century challenges.

Another speaker said that a university should not be an island. I fully agree with this statement. If universities go an extra mile in dispensing  top-notch education aimed at solving relevant practical problems faced by society them the world will indeed be a better place. This obviously,shows that community engagement is an indispensable focus area for modern day universities.

The other statement that really caught my attention was: Never tell people how to do things, tell them what do to do and they will surprise you with what they come up with.I truly believe that each and every human being has a God-given brain which can do wonders if channeled towards any desired pursuit. If we know what we want, then we can most definitely get to do and have it……..