World Literacy Summit 2027: Oxford University Invites UNESCO Laureate As Special Guest Of Honor

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The University of Oxford, in partnership with the World Literacy Foundation (WLF, United Kingdom, has extended a formal invitation to the First African UNESCO Laureate and World Records Holder, Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, to attend the World Literacy Summit 2027 as a Special Guest of Honour.

Daily Independent learnt this from Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu in a telephone conversation with our reporter today, being on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, as the First African UNESCO Laureate commends the leadership of World Literacy Foundation on recognition and invitation as Special Guest of Honour at the international event.

Speaking further to our reporter, Aremu, a Professor Emeritus, Professor of Computer Science, Information Communication Technology, has stated that the global summit is scheduled to be held from 31st March to 3rd April, 2027, at the historic University of Oxford.

In the words of the First African UNESCO Laureate & World Records Holder: “First and foremost, I must commend the leadership of World Literacy Foundation for this great honor on my invitation as a Special Guest of Honor for the forthcoming international event”.

“In line with the invitation letter addressed to me by World Literacy Foundation, the reputable global group is convening a diverse community of literacy leaders, educators, researchers, policymakers, innovators, and development partners to advance global literacy, education, and reading promotion”.

“The organizers said the summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and develop strategies to address literacy challenges across the world. Prof. Aremu was recognized as a valued member of the foundation’s network of colleagues, volunteers, and supporters”.

“As part of the invitation, Prof. Aremu has been asked to express interest in participation, nominate outstanding individuals and organisations, and recommend potential keynote speakers, delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, and other stakeholders for the summit”.

“The areas of nomination included, amongst others, are: Literacy, education, publishing, research, educational technology, reading promotion, media, AI innovation, and related fields”.

“The letter clarified that submission of nominations represents an expression of interest only and does not constitute automatic confirmation of participation”.

“The World Literacy Summit team had stated that all submissions would be reviewed, and shortlisted nominees would be contacted directly. The foundation also encouraged wide circulation of the invitation within relevant professional and academic networks”.

“Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, FRSA, is a renowned Nigerian academic, computer scientist, and global educational administrator. He is widely recognized as the First African UNESCO Laureate and a world-acclaimed Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology.

“Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu’s distinguished academic honours include, amongst others are: Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, RSA, United Kingdom, and induction as Professor Emeritus “On Merit” in Argentina in December 2019. Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu holds multiple doctoral and post-doctoral qualifications and numerous international fellowships and awards”.

“Prof. Aremu has held several top leadership positions globally. These included, amongst others, Vice-Chancellor and Vice Chairman of International Affairs, West Coast University, USA; Vice President International Affairs, Sastra Angkor University, Cambodia; and adviser to GEPEA University, Portugal”.

“Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu currently serves as International Chairman, Board of Trustees, Africa Information Technology Consultancy. In 2021, he was appointed World Grand Chairman of the World Accreditation Commission, an official partner of UNESCO and the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific”.

“In 2023, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu was appointed by the National Universities Commission, NUC, Abuja, as Chairman of the Accreditation Panel for some Nigerian universities. He also chairs the Governing Councils of Ibikunle Lawal Institute of Technology, Ile-Ife, and Kings and Queens Medical University College, Ghana”.

“In 2024, Prof. Aremu was appointed Africa Chairman, Board of Trustees and Chief Patron of the Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC. He was also named Global Secretary of the World Sustainable Development Goals Organization, an official partner of the United Nations”.

“Beyond academia, Prof. Aremu is a renowned philanthropist. He founded the Prof. Emeritus Sir Bashiru Aremu International Foundation Inc., PESBAIF, which focuses on entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and providing food, healthcare, and shelter to vulnerable communities”.

“The World Literacy Summit 2027 at Oxford is expected to attract global leaders in education and literacy. Prof. Aremu’s invitation underscores his continued impact on global education,6 ICT, and advocacy for literacy and sustainable development”.