All Set for the Annual Economics Students Conference (AESC): Organisers Share Insight Ahead of Big Event
Excitement is building as the Annual Economics Students Conference (AESC), a programme where students are given the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, analyses, and debates on trending economic issues affecting Nigeria and emerging economies, is set to take place on the 11th and 12th of June 2025 at NACETEM (Local Government Studies) and Oduduwa Hall, respectively.
In an exclusive interview with Barnabas Eirekholo, the chairman of the planning committee of the AESC, insight was gained into what attendees can expect from this year's edition (AESC 11.0).
Q: Can we meet you?
A: I am Barnabas Eirekholo, a 400-level Economics student here at Obafemi Awolowo University. I currently serve as the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Annual Economics Students' Conference (AESC).
Q: What is AESC about?
A: AESC is a programme proudly owned and organised by the Nigerian Economics Students' Association (NESA), Obafemi Awolowo University Chapter. It is a platform where students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, analyses, and debates on trending economic issues affecting Nigeria and emerging economies.
Since 2014, we have had ten successful editions, and this year's conference will mark the 11th, hence the hashtag #AESC11.0.
Our theme this year is "Nigeria's Development Agenda: The Role of Economic Policies on the Food, Health, Finance, and Energy Sectors."These are critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, and we shall be exploring how they impact human activities and how they are vital to the growth and prosperity of our dear nation.
Q: Is the conference exclusively for Economics students, or is it open to other students from different departments?
A: AESC welcomes students from all departments and faculties across campus. In fact, at our conference, we usually have ambassadors and representatives from other universities across Nigeria. For instance, referring to the last edition, which was held last year, we had ten universities in attendance, including the University of Lagos, the University of Ilorin, Adekunle Ajasin University, Crescent University, Redeemers University, and even the University of Abuja. The Abuja students chartered a coaster bus and travelled all the way from Abuja to Ife. That is how much they value our conference.
Q: How does the conference align with the goals and objectives of the economics department and the university as a whole?
A: AESC aligns with the department's objectives of imparting not just theoretical but also practical knowledge, skills acquisition, economic research, and professional development. Our conference also aligns with the university's mission, which encourages development activities that enhance the image of the university and contribute to national growth and development. Additionally, AESC is a breeding ground for the next generation of leaders, many of whom are already emerging from our department. You should watch out for the next batch of alumni from the Economics Department, OAU. We are set to achieve great things both nationally and internationally. Thus, AESC is a significant win for both the department and the university.
Q: When and where is the event being held?
A: AESC will hold on June 11 (Wednesday) and June 12 (Thursday). It will take place at NACETEM (Local Government Studies) on June 11 and at Oduduwa Hall on June 12. We welcome the general public to join us, despite the public holiday on June 12. Let us make the most of this public holiday.
Q: Wow. Oduduwa Hall? Oduduwa Hall is under renovation; how did you manage to secure it for the conference?
A: We appreciate the Vice Chancellor's prompt approval. When I submitted the letter of request for the use of Oduduwa Hall, I thought it would take a month before I received a response. However, it did not take that long; it took just nine days. We are grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bamire, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Odedire, and Prof. Ajisafe, Head of the Department of Economics, for this.
Q: Can you give a sneak peek of the guest speakers we are expecting?
A: One of the things that makes AESC unique is the timbre and calibre of speakers we invite. In previous editions, we have had the honour of hosting Mr Ahmed Razak (CEO of Cowryrise and now the President of the CFA Nigeria Society). He is a proud alumnus of the Economics department and represents Great Ife wherever he goes. We have also had Tope Fasua, who is now the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to the Vice President, along with Fela Durotoye, currently a Special Adviser in the Tinubu-led administration, Seun Onigbinde (Director of BudgIT Nigeria), and Mr Ike Chioke (the Managing Director of Afrinvest). For AESC 11.0, we want you to come and see for yourself who will be attending. I love the suspense.
Q: What are some of the key sessions or events that attendees should not miss?
A: We highly recommend that our attendees do not miss any session of the programme, as each offers valuable experiences. Key highlights of the programme include the keynote presentations by our guest speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, inter-university competitions, numerous cash and kind giveaways, and a business case challenge where entrepreneurs pitch their innovative ideas, with the best ideas going home with cash prizes and a mentorship session from selected guest speakers. It is a significant opportunity. Don’t miss any of it; that’s what I would say.
Q: It takes a lot to organise this conference. Are you working alone or do you have a team?
A: It takes a great deal of grit and energy to organise this conference. I would like to thank the President, Mr Itunu Adewole, for entrusting us with this responsibility. Yes, we have a dedicated team working hard to make this conference a success: the Principal Heads, the Team Heads, the Executive Body, the ESRC, and NESANs. We are all stakeholders. We have various committees, including logistics, budget and planning, hospitality, citation protocol, welfare, publicity, and so on, each with assigned roles and responsibilities. The HOD, our staff advisers, part advisers, and all lecturers are involved in the planning of the conference. Their input has been vital to our progress thus far. The goal is to make AESC a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.
Q: Parting Words?
A: AESC11.0 is in the air.
Mark your calendars because it's happening on June 11 and June 12. Join us for insightful discussions on the economic state of affairs in Nigeria. We have also promised opportunities for your personal growth and development.
AESC11.0 - Connecting the Dots, Securing the Future. We look forward to a stimulating conference experience.
With engaging activities, insightful sessions, and a well-structured plan, the upcoming programme promises to be impactful and enlightening. It stands as a timely initiative aimed at addressing key issues while equipping participants with practical knowledge and exposure. As the date draws closer, all eyes remain on the organisers as anticipation builds across the community. If the words of the coordinator are anything to go by, this is one event that should not be missed.
I can't wait to witness AESC 11.0 and enjoy all the goodies that come with it. 💯
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