The Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab Annual Summer School officially commenced on Monday, May 26, 2025, with an opening ceremony at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Resource Centre (AMDRC), University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The Ceremony was graced by the German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Börner; Resident Representative of DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service – in Lagos (Nigeria), Mr. Gerald Heusing; distinguished UNILAG academics; and postgraduate students from the Technical University, Berlin; University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; University of Nigeria, Nsukka;Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Ibadan (UI) and UNILAG.
With the theme Inclusive Urban Futures, this year’s summer school underscores the importance of equitable access to opportunities in urban spaces, fostering an environment where economic status does not determine one’s ability to thrive.
As Dr. Esther Thontteh of the Department of Estate Management, UNILAG aptly noted during the ceremony, the program aims to bridge gaps in urban participation, ensuring a more just and sustainable future for all.
The opening ceremony featured a welcome address by the Principal Investigator, a.k.a “Woman-King”, Prof. Taibat Lawanson. While expressing gratitude to the German government and DAAD for supporting the academic collaboration, she highlighted the Lab’s achievements and contributions over the past five years since UNILAG joined the Lab. These include:
- introduction of a Master’s program in Urban Management and a Ph.D. in Sustainable Urbanization at UNILAG — both multidisciplinary and innovative programs using resources from the three partner universities, and
- sponsoring the training of 20 doctoral students across Nigeria, among others.
The ceremony also featured brief speeches from the Director, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), UNILAG, Prof. Timothy Nubi; Director, Research Management Office (RMO), UNILAG, Prof. Wale Okunuga; and DAAD Representative, Mr. Gerald Heusing.
Additionally, Professor Philip Misselwitz of the Technical University Berlin presented an overview of the Lab’s decade-long journey, while Professor Fana Sihlongonyane of the University of the Witwatersrand spoke on Urban Management, Inclusive Urban Futures. Deputy Director of the Office of International Relations, Partnerships & Prospects (IRPP), Dr. Onifade Victor provided insights into the structure of the summer school. The ceremony rounded off with an address from the German Consul General, Weert Börner and a photo session.
The WITS-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab is a trilateral teaching and research collaboration involving Technical University Berlin, Germany; University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; and University of Lagos, Nigeria. It is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Held annually, the summer school fosters collaborative learning on urban development. Running from Monday, May 26 to Saturday, May 31, 2025, this year’s Summer School will feature a study tour around Lagos; a plenary session, Doctoral Writing workshops for PhD students and Summer School for Master’s students.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Bola Oguntade, Islamiat Akanni & Bolaji Jimoh
