ISCEST XII ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: GLOBAL SCHOLARS CONVENE IN YENAGOA TO ADVANCE EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION - BMU, YENAGOA

The XII Annual International Conference of the International Society for Comparative Education, Science and Technology (ISCEST) was held from December 1-2, 2025 at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, bringing together distinguished academics, policymakers, researchers, and international experts to examine the theme “Promoting Comparative Education, Science and Technology in the 4th Industrial Revolution.” Hosted by the Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, the conference was a hybrid event (in-person and on Zoom) with distinguished invited Special Guests such as, H.E. Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State; H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR; and Hon. Charles Daniel, Chairman, House Committee on Education, Prof. Steve Azaiki (Founding member) and others from the diaspora. In his welcome address, Prof. Ogoina emphasized the transformative power of emerging technologies and highlighted BMU’s pioneering investments in AI-enhanced and mixed-reality learning environments. Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua underscored the urgent need to align educational systems with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, stressing comparative education as a key driver of globalcompetitiveness. ISCEST President, Prof. Matthew Wegwu, reinforced the Society’s commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and international collaboration. A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the conferring of ISCEST Fellowship Awards on distinguished scholars. The Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, alongside several eminent members, was honoured for outstanding leadership, scholarship, and service to education, science, and technology. Throughout the two-day conference, scholars presented groundbreaking research across diverse domains. In addition to the lead plenary sessions, several notable papers included: • “The Role of AI in Improving Educational Accessibility for Students with Disabilities” by Briggs Elizabeth • “Harnessing 4IR Technologies to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance” by Barika P. N. & Akani N. P. • “Digital Pedagogies and Fourth Industrial Revolution Workforce Development in Nigerian Higher Education” by Dr. Lawretta A. Onyekwere • “Exploring Current Trends in Artificial Intelligence for Women’s Empowerment in Africa” by N. P. Olulube & E. K. Umunadi • “The Role of Digital Technology in Health Emergency Preparedness and Response: A Study in Rivers State” by Lois Erowo Obed-Ojukwu and team • “Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from African Palm Weevil Larvae as Starter Culture in Yoghurt Production” by Abbas-Adediran H. et al. • “Effect of Mother Tongue as a Mode of Instruction on Academic Achievement in Chemistry” by Konyefa Bridget & Enaregha Esther. • “Barriers to Teachers’ Confidence in Digital Transformation in Ebonyi State Schools” by Azubuike Oko Nnali. • “Gender-Based Violence in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: The Role of Social Workers” by Obuzor Mezewo & Emeodu Elijah A strategic presentation by Dr. Marie Therese Teibowei on “Strengthening National Health Security Through Institutional Leadership and Innovative Health Care Management: A case of the BMU ASPIRE Agenda” received strong commendation for its policy relevance and institutional impact. The conference concluded with the adoption of the 2025 ISCEST Communiqué, outlining key recommendations for advancing comparative education, science and technology across Africa. In his closing remarks, Prof. Marcellinus Arhoghro, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, applauded participants for their contributions and reaffirmed BMU’s readiness to continue hosting high-impact global academic engagements. The 2025 ISCEST International Conference further cements Bayelsa Medical University’s reputation as a rising hub for innovation, scholarship, and transformative educational leadership.