The Conference of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and Presidents of African Universities (COREVIP) is an assembly of the chief executive officers of member institutions or their representatives. It meets every two years with the purpose of examining collectively themes identified as common concerns and priorities for the development of higher education in member institutions; making recommendations primarily to members, as well as to the Executive Board and to the Secretariat; and acting as a mid-term conference and taking stock of the implementation of the decisions of the General Conference and recommending corrective measures.

THEME

The theme for the Conference is: “ The African Brain Drain - Managing the Drain: Working with the Diaspora ” . There will be invited papers and presentations by distinguished scholars and practitioners in fields dealing with the main theme and sub-themes as below, as well as group sessions for more intensive work.

• The African Development Agenda and the Brain Drain: History, Factors and Prospects
• The African Diaspora: Contributions to the Revival of African Knowledge Systems, Science and Technology

• The Brain Drain and African Development
• Issues of Reparation and Redress
• The African Diaspora as a Resource

The Conference will provide an excellent opportunity for leaders of African higher education institutions to exchange experiences and draw on the lessons from institutions working with African professionals and academics in the Diaspora. There will also be an opportunity to hear from both regional and international organisations involved in African brain drain and “brain gain” initiatives. A particular aim of the Conference will be to help AAU member institutions identify and develop specific, concrete activities that they can undertake to reduce the negative aspects of the “brain drain”, while taking full advantage of the pool of African talent worldwide.

In addition to the executive heads and other senior members of African universities, participants will include Ministers of Higher Education, Science and Technology, other policy makers, and representatives of international and regional organizations and donor partners.

REGISTRATION

The registration fee is:

• $300 for each participant from a Full or Associate member institution of the AAU; and
• $400 for each participant from a non-member institution or other organisation

The registration fee will cover the following:

• Conference Documents and Bag;
• Lunch, Tea/Coffee services during conference days only; and
• Copy of Conference Proceedings.

The deadline for registration is June 30, 2007. Registration after the deadline attracts an additional US$25. Registered participants should note that no refunds will be made for cancellations after July 31, 2007.

If you are planning to participate in this Conference, kindly fill in the Online Registration Form or download the form return it to the AAU Secretariat.

Travel and Accommodation

Please note that all participants are expected to pay for their own travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. The COREVIP will be held at the DAT EL-EMAD Conference Centre, Tripoli and block bookings for specially negotiated room rates have been arranged at the BAB EL-BAHR HOTEL, adjacent to the Conference Centre.

Once we have received your indication of participation, we will send you more information on the Conference.

We look forward to having you with us in Tripoli.

Akilagpa Sawyerr
Secretary General