Tech Dreams and African Drums: Stevens Institute of Technology Co-hosts Groundbreaking Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM, AI, and MBA
Tech Dreams and African Drums: Stevens Institute of Technology Co-hosts Groundbreaking Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM, AI, and MBA
Blog Article
Event Strengthens Africa-U.S. Educational Ties as Nekotech Centre Pledges $1 Billion for STEM Education Abroad
On a warm September evening, the vibrant beats of African drums filled Stevens Institute’s University Center, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Africa-U.S. educational collaboration. The Second Annual Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM, AI, and MBA, co-hosted by Stevens Institute of Technology and the Nekotech Centre of Excellence, brought together African leaders, U.S. officials, and academic experts to celebrate progress and the potential for future partnerships. Organized by Stevens’ Office of Graduate Education, the event highlighted the institution's dedication to building global educational connections.
As Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” a theme that resonated throughout the evening. In his opening remarks, Stevens President Nariman Farvardin reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering global innovation.
“With this partnership with Nekotech, we welcome talented African students to our Stevens community, where they will acquire the skills needed to contribute meaningfully in an increasingly complex technological world,” Farvardin said. He emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, adding, “Together, we will drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and ensure that Africa remains a leader in technological innovation for years to come.”
In a video address, U.S. Senator Cory Booker underscored the importance of investing in future talent, stating, “If we want to solve tomorrow’s challenges, we must invest today.” This sentiment framed the evening’s major announcement: Nekotech’s $1 billion pledge to fund graduate education abroad for 10,000 African students over the next five years.
H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Asie K. Ocansey, executive chairperson and founder of the Nekotech Centre of Excellence, stressed the initiative’s transformative potential: “We aim to not only empower individual students with the skills to shape technological progress but also to strengthen economies across Africa.”
A Celebration of Innovation and Partnership
The evening balanced formal award ceremonies with cultural performances. The rhythms of African drums marked key moments, accompanied by traditional African dancers. Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Mark Soskin provided musical interludes during the cocktail hour, and Stevens students, under the direction of Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Carlos Alomar, played “Bohemian Rhapsody” during dinner, symbolizing the forum’s mission of bridging cultures through education.
The presentation of the Presidential Honorary Awards was a highlight of the event. President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi received his award from President Farvardin, expressing his commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Malawi. Stevens Vice President Beth McGrath presented an award to former President Joyce Banda of Malawi, which was accepted by the Malawian Minister of Education, Hon. Madalitso Wirima Kambauwa, who emphasized the importance of integrating arts into STEM education.
Stevens Provost Jianmin Qu presented an award to H.E. Brig. (RTD) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, with the honor accepted on his behalf by the evening’s master of ceremonies, Funmi Babalola. HRM King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II of the Ga State also received an award from Provost Qu, urging the audience to make their communities places where children can dream big.
Financial Educational and Scholarship Awards were presented to Liberia and Ghana by H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey, symbolizing a commitment to expanding educational access.
Emotional moments came during the Graduate Ambassador Awards. Chipiliro Chisao, a University of Maryland Baltimore County graduate, was honored by H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey, while Stevens alumnus Brima Lakoh accepted his award alongside his mother. Lakoh, whose initiative sparked the partnership between Nekotech and Stevens, shared his guiding principles: “passion, purpose, perseverance.”
A Lasting Commitment
Throughout the evening, Stevens’ integral role in this collaboration was evident. With world-class research facilities, renowned faculty, and proximity to New York City, Stevens offers African students unparalleled opportunities in STEM fields. Programs like ACES, which provides tuition-free pre-college education for underserved communities, further demonstrate Stevens’ dedication to diversity in STEM.
As the night drew to a close, H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey inspired the audience with a call to action: “Invest your time, effort, and energy to lift a child up.” This powerful message perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening—one where ideals were transformed into real, actionable steps.
The Second Annual Africa-US Presidential Forum at Stevens served as a blueprint for a future where education transcends borders and the next generation of African STEM leaders is already on the rise. As Senator Booker noted, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This night made it clear that Africa and the U.S. have chosen to go far, together.