Havana, January 31, 2025 – Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, member of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of Cosmopolitan University in Nigeria, and Dr. Isa Yusuf Chamo, Commissioner for Educational Affairs of Jigawa State, participated in the 6th International Conference for the Balance of the World, held in Havana from January 28 to 31, 2025.
The World Balance Conference is an international forum for plural thought and interdisciplinary dialogue, convened by the José Martí Project of International Solidarity under the auspices of UNESCO and other international organizations. Since its first edition in 2003, the conference has brought together intellectual leaders, academics, politicians, scientists, and activists from all continents with the goal of contributing to the design of a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable model for humanity, inspired by the humanist ideals of José Martí.
In its sixth edition, discussions focused on globally significant topics such as world peace, climate change, ethics in education, social justice, sustainable development, the impact of digital technologies on society, and South-South cooperation. The participation of the Nigerian scholars contributed an African perspective on the role of education and technology in social development, opening avenues for stronger ties between Cuba and Nigeria in these areas.
As part of their agenda in Cuba, Drs. Kanya and Chamo held an important meeting with the Director of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, with whom they signed a letter of intent laying the groundwork for future academic, scientific, and training exchanges between the two institutions. This agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening educational cooperation between Nigeria and Cuba. 
The delegation also met with representatives from the Directorate of International Relations of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, and executives from Cuban Medical Services, with the aim of initiating a bilateral medical cooperation program that would allow Nigeria to benefit from Cuba’s well-known expertise in public health, medical training, and international medical brigades. 
During the conference, they also met with Ambassador Norma Goicochea, member of the Organizing Committee and Director General of the Cuban Association of the United Nations, with whom they exchanged views on the role of education and international cooperation in the development of nations. 
Additionally, the Nigerian academics visited a development farm in Havana, exploring opportunities for agricultural knowledge exchange. Throughout their stay, they witnessed the strong bond between the two nations and the high level of development Cuba has achieved in the educational, medical, and agricultural fields.
The visit by Drs. Kanya and Chamo to Cuba was considered highly fruitful, both institutionally and personally. They praised the Cuban people’s commitment to social justice, education, and health, as well as their resilience and progress in the face of the economic blockade imposed by the United States and the ongoing global economic crisis.
This experience not only strengthens the bonds of solidarity between Cuba and Nigeria but also opens new avenues for joint efforts benefiting their respective peoples and the Global South as a whole.
(Embassy of Cuba to Nigeria)