The British Council has hosted a high-level edition of its flagship GREAT Talks Initiative at Baze University, Abuja, bringing together academics, researchers, and students to strengthen collaboration between Nigerian institutions and leading universities in the United Kingdom.

The symposium highlighted Baze University’s growing reputation for academic excellence and global engagement, while providing a platform for knowledge exchange aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

Participants stressed the importance of cross-border research partnerships, noting that collaborative efforts between Nigerian and UK institutions could drive innovative solutions to national development issues. Papers presented at the event were described as both academically robust and highly relevant to real-world challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Abdullahi Ahmed of the University of Manchester spoke on “Renewable Energy Investment Decisions Under Climate Uncertainty,” outlining strategies for managing financial and environmental risks associated with the transition to renewable energy.

In a separate presentation, Dr. Keiran Hunt of the University of Reading explored the use of artificial intelligence in forecasting weather-driven electricity demand in Nigeria. His research demonstrated how AI-powered tools can improve grid stability and enhance energy distribution efficiency.

The event also featured an interactive plenary session, allowing participants to engage directly with speakers and discuss practical applications of their research. Organisers noted that the strong turnout and active participation underscored a growing interest in international academic partnerships.

The British Council said the GREAT Talks Initiative is expected to open doors for future joint research projects and institutional collaborations, further strengthening ties between Nigerian universities and their UK counterparts