About HERPNET

An initiative of the Association of African Universities (AAU) founded in 2000 to transform higher education research and policy.

About Herpnet

The Higher Education Research and Policy Network (HERPNET) is an initiative of the Association of African Universities (AAU). It was founded in 2000 following a research meeting at the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) held in Pretoria, South-Africa. Since then, the Network has made several efforts to launch itself out, especially in Nigeria.

Its first Regional Conference took place in August 2002 at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. It was primarily to make research results on higher education conducted under the AAU study programme available to policy makers in Nigeria and other African countries.

AAU, under the then Secretary-General, Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr, sponsored a researcher, Dr. James L. Letukka from Free State University, South Africa to represent the AAU at this historic workshop. The proceedings of the first conference have been published and now appear on AAU's website.

Several other regional conferences have been held since then across the African continent.

Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr addressing the HERPNET conference
Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr

Past Conferences and venues

Ibadan (Nigeria) in 2007, 2008 Kampala (Uganda) in 2009 Nairobi (Kenya) in 2010 Lagos (Nigeria) in 2011 Ibadan (Nigeria) in 2012 Legon-Accra (Ghana) in 2013 Ondo (Nigeria) in 2014 Johannesburg (South Africa) in 2015 Benin City (Nigeria) in 2016 Keffi (Nigeria) in 2017
“It may interest you to note that our efforts have led to the establishment of HERPNET’s chapters in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and South Africa.”

Mission & Focus

HERPNET has grown from its inaugural 2002 workshop into a trusted pan-African research network. We believe that sustainable continental development is underpinned by quality, evidence-based higher education policy. By linking universities, regional bodies, and individual scholars, the network bridges the gap between academic findings and policy decisions across Africa.

Our renowned programs and initiatives empower members to:
  • ◆ Work fewer hours — and make more money
  • ◆ Attract and retain quality, high-paying customers and institutional partners
  • ◆ Manage your time so you'll get more done in less time
  • ◆ Hone sharp leadership skills to manage your team and institution
  • ◆ Cut expenses without sacrificing academic and research quality
  • ◆ Automate research and administrative workflows to operate seamlessly

Photo Collage

HERPNET Conference Delegates and Leaders
HERPNET Regional Conference Gathering
HERPNET Scholars and Researchers
HERPNET Academic Presentation
HERPNET Policy Roundtable
HERPNET Higher Education Delegates
HERPNET Capacity Building Workshop
HERPNET International Collaboration
Our Vision

To be the leading pan-African network driving evidence-based research and transformative policy in higher education.

Our Core Mission

Connecting scholars, administrators, and policymakers to strengthen higher education institutions across Africa through rigorous research and policy advocacy.

Our Objectives

What We Do

Six core pillars that define HERPNET's work and impact across African higher education.

Research

Our activity include networking workshops (conferences), information sharing and engagement in collaborative policy research.

Higher Education

To make research results on higher education conducted under the AAU study programme available to policy makers in Nigeria and other African countries. AAU

Policy Making

To influence policies on higher education along directions suggested by proven scientific theories and evidences of sound practices.

Publication

Publishing peer-reviewed journals, monographs, and academic publications that disseminate cutting-edge research across the continent.

Leadership

Developing visionary leadership and governance capacity to strengthen institutional excellence across African universities.

Networking

The Network is dedicated to creating, harvesting, preserving, propagating and promoting scientific knowledge that would help in transforming institutions of higher education in Africa, to internationally recognized ones in a knowledge-based society.

Leadership

Executive Council

Meet the dedicated professionals steering HERPNET's mission across Africa.

Prof. Joel B. Babalola

Prof. Joel B. Babalola

Chairman, Board of Directors

HERPNET Board of Directors

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Prof. Oluwakemi B. Okuwa

Prof. Oluwakemi B. Okuwa

Financial Secretary

HERPNET Executive Committee

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Prof. Ademola I. Atanda

Prof. Ademola I. Atanda

Chairman, Conference Organizing Committee

HERPNET Executive Committee

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Our Network

Our Partners & Affiliates

Collaborating with leading universities, policy institutes, and research bodies across the continent.

University of Ibadan

Host Institution • Nigeria

Lagos State University

Research Hub • Nigeria

Ahmadu Bello University

Northern Regional Centre • Nigeria

University of Lagos

Academic Partner • Nigeria

Obafemi Awolowo University

Research Centre • Nigeria

University of Benin

South-South Hub • Nigeria

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