Shaping Tomorrow’s Land Leaders: NELGA and UGB to Introduce New Professional Degree in Land Governance
In a bold move to transform land governance education in Africa, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) and the University Gaston Berger of Saint-Louis (UGB), Senegal, to launch a Professional Degree in Land Governance. This initiative was the centrepiece of a Curriculum Review Workshop held in the picturesque coastal town of Mbour (Saly, Hôtel les FILAOS) on May 13 and 14, 2024, in partnership with the SEEN SUUF-GIZ.
The workshop drew a diverse and influential group of participants, including government officials, technical and financial partners, academics, researchers, land governance experts, and civil society members. A roundtable discussion was held on the urgent need for advanced training in land governance, highlighting the gaps and opportunities within the current educational framework.
Central to the workshop was the unveiling of the new Professional Degree in Land Governance. Consultants presented a comprehensive project outline designed to equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle land governance challenges effectively. Participants then broke into working groups to delve deeper into the specifics of the curriculum.
The discussions culminated in strong, actionable recommendations for implementing the Professional Degree at UGB, aimed at creating a new generation of land governance experts. Ultimately, the introduction of this Pro Degree aims to train and produce senior technicians in land management, i.e. land specialists for a post-baccalaureate course that concentrates on several areas of expertise, thus embracing the cross-disciplinary nature of land management.
By establishing this degree, NELGA and UGB are taking a significant step forward in addressing the continent’s unique land governance challenges. This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters practical solutions essential for sustainable development across Africa.