Engagement

In March 2024, FLIA and CPAID Director, Professor Tim Allen participated in a weeklong visit to Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria as part of a delegation from the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and LSE’s Philanthropy and Global Engagement division.

The trip featured a series of high-level engagements with Nigerian government representatives, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever OBE.

Following this the delegation met the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria. During the meeting, VP Shettima sought collaboration from CPAID and the Institute in the newly launched Presidential Initiative for Innovation, Policy Evaluation and Research (PIIPER).

Your presence emphasises our shared commitment to shaping a future where Africa is not relegated to the footnotes of our discourse on development

The Vice President also commended the Institute "for their dedication to unravelling the intricacies of the political economy of Africa through their impactful contributions at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa", adding "Your presence today emphasises our shared commitment to shaping a future where Africa is not relegated to the footnotes of our discourse on development. The link between gown and town is one that we can't afford to sever because the repercussions are dire."

At the opening of a special alumni event at the Envoy Hotel, Abuja, Professor Allen discussed the importance of CPAID’s research and the Institute’s rapid growth. The event was attended by over 100 LSE alums, members of Abuja’s diplomatic community, and policymakers.