No fewer than 300 academics from about seven countries are expected at the third International Conference of the U-6 Consortium of African Universities being hosted by UNILORIN between September 6 and 9.

The Chairman of the Conference Local Organising Committee, Prof A.T. Oladiji, said the event was being expected to deepen research collaboration and academic exchange among participating universities and the countries they represent.

The U-6 Consortium comprises six African universities: UNILORIN; the University of Eldoret, Kenya; Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; the University of Science and Technology, Kenya; and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Members of the Consortium had, on March 10, 2012, at UNILORIN, decided to collaborate on some activities, such as facilitation and coordination of joint researches, curriculum development, collaborative seminars, workshops and conferences as well as academic exchanges to further expose academic staff and students.

Oladiji, who is also the Director, UNILORIN Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), said more than 160 academic papers would be discussed at the five-day conference.

The keynote address on the theme: "Innovative Trends in Science and Humanities for Global Development and Social Transformation" would be delivered by Prof Peter Okebukola, the Pro-Chancellor of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State.

Other sub-themes to be addressed are: Governance and Legislation; Science, Technology and Energy; Health and Environment; Education, Language and Gender Issues; Peace, Security and Development; Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Security; as well as Information and Communication.