Nigeria Beyond 2014 And The Prospects.

The Nigeria Research Network,Johannesburg, an international, interdisciplinary group of researchers, professionals and academics in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Johannesburg, South African recently (16^th-17^th October, 2014) had an international conference on the theme, NIGERIAN BEYOND 2014 – PROSPECTS.

  
The theme of the conference which was on a cutting edge research about Nigeria had in attendance professionals and intellectuals from different disciplines. Among them were Professor Harry Garuba (former Director, Cente
for African Studies, University of Cape Town), Dr. Babatunde Omilola (Chief Economist, UNDP, Pretoria) Professor Kole Omotoso, Professor Patrick Ebewo, Professor Steven Friedman (Director, Centre for the Study of Democracy, University of Johannesburg), Professor Steven Azaiki, Barr. Mike Igini.

Papers were presented on numerous subjects such as the democratization and political transition of the current and future state of the Nigerian nationhood, governance, civil society, the role of intellectuals in national development, national economic growth vis-à-vis widespread poverty, and corruption.

There were also discussions about Nigerians in the diaspora particularly South Africa where the conference was held, perception of Nigeria/Nigerians, South African women married to Nigerians, diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa as well as immigration issues.

Representatives from the South African Department of Home Affairs, UNISWA and Nigerian social media activist were present.