INTRODUCTION

The Association of African Universities (AAU) will hold its 16^th Quadrennial General Conference (QGC) in July 2025. The QGC, comprising representatives of members, associate members and observers, is the supreme authority of the Association and is responsible for determining the general policies of the Association. It is normally a five-day event centered around issues of relevance to higher education in Africa.

The QGC comprises two parts; the first is the business session which evaluates the performance of the AAU in the preceding four years and approves of the programmes for the subsequent four years. The business session also incorporates the election of a new 15-member Board to steer the affairs of the Association for the next four years.

The second part of the QGC is the scientific discussions of the theme and sub-themes of the Conference under the biennial Conference of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of African Universities (COREVIP). At the 16^th General Conference, the 23^rd COREVIP will be held.

These events are jointly organised by the AAU and a member institution in good standing with the Association (i.e. having zero arrears in annual subscription payment). It should be noted that the co-hosting of this most important event on the calendar of the African higher education community provides very high-level visibility and exposure to the host institution and country because of the calibre and number of academic leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, industry, and other stakeholders that usually attend it, and it is, therefore, a highly sought-after event.

2025 QGC THEME

Yet to be finalized.

CALL FOR HOST

The AAU hereby invites applications from member institutions for the co-hosting of this prestigious quadrennial Conference.

The Host’s Responsibilities

The host university will be expected to contribute to the organisation of the Conference, financially or in kind, in the areas of:

• Local transportation for participants.
• Airport “meet and greet” (reception and facilitation of immigration procedures).
• Traditional items as gifts to presenters and sessional chairs.
• Welcome Reception or Dinner for participants.
• Publicity and media coverage (local press, radio and TV, conference photographer).
• Arrangement of courtesy calls by the Governing Board on appropriate government authorities in the host country.
• Arrangement of excursion visits by delegates.
• Providing the Secretariat for the Conference (equipment and supplies).
• Decorations, banners, invitations to Opening/Closing Ceremony and receptions.
• Cultural display during open and closing ceremonies.

Institutions interested in co-hosting the 16^th Quadrennial General Conference should officially apply by filling this form: https://www.research.net/r/HostAAUGC25

The deadline for the receipt of the official application is Friday, 28, June 2024.

View the photo gallery of some past AAU QGC and COREVIP below:
– COREVIP hosted in Namibia: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aau-africa/albums/72177720309838569/
– QGC/COREVIP hosted in Egypt:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/aau-africa/albums/72157710614218221/with/48647480413