A remarkable phenomenon began at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday, May 26, 2025, as the UNILAG Doctoral Academy set in motion, a quiet but powerful ripple that promises to shape the future of research and leadership across the African continent.
In collaboration with the African Engineering and Technology (AFRETEC) Network, UNILAG launched the 2025 edition of its Doctoral Academy, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower the next generation of African research leaders in a rapidly evolving digital world.
As the doors of RICE360 Design Studio at the Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG opened to welcome doctoral scholars from across Nigeria and other AFRETEC member institutions in Africa, so did the beginning of an intellectual and creative revolution grounded in vision, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the future of Africa begin.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Bola Oboh, warmly welcomed participants to the University of Lagos on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, setting the tone for what would be a transformative week. She highlighted UNILAG’s strong track record in doctoral training, citing its collaboration with Stellenbosch University through the Emerging Scholars Programme.
This Doctoral Academy, hosted under AFRETEC’s Knowledge Creation Pillar, she noted, is especially significant for its focus on equipping African PhD candidates and early-career researchers with skills to tackle societal issues through digital research.
She emphasized the urgency for Africa to actively engage in the global digital transformation and expressed confidence that the Academy would strengthen leadership capacity across the continent. With facilitators drawn from partner universities, industry experts, and the University of the West of England, she averred that participants are poised for a rich learning experience.
Professor Oboh encouraged attendees to take time to explore the UNILAG campus, connect with peers across disciplines and borders, and make the most of the opportunity to collaborate. With those words, she officially declared the workshop open.
Professor Mohammed O. H. Amuda, Chairman, UNILAG Doctoral Academy Planning Committee; Lead, Knowledge Creation Pillar, AFRETEC-UNILAG and Director, Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Centre for Information Technology and System (ABS-CITS), UNILAG, in his address dubbed the UNILAG Doctoral Academy, UDA 1.0.
He explained that the successful actualisation of the Academy is a landmark moment birthed from a long-held vision to nurture Africa’s next generation of research leaders. He described the Academy as a bold intervention designed to transform doctoral training in Africa, equipping scholars not just with academic depth, but with the digital and ethical consciousness required to create real-world impact.
According to him, this initiative is rooted in AFRETEC’s mission and inspired by the groundwork of UNILAG’s Professor Taibat Lawanson. It is also UNILAG’s response to a growing need, which is to bridge the gap between research and societal relevance in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Professor Amuda emphasised that the goal is to begin a scholarly community that encourages deep reflection, practical engagement, and collaborative growth from this endeavour. He shared that the 40 participants carefully selected from a pool of 249 applicants across Africa, now stand as torchbearers of this new vision.
He hinted participants that, with sessions spanning leadership, grant writing, ethics, and scholarly identity, as well as facilitators from academia, industry, and policy circles, the workshop would stretch minds and ignite ideas. Prof. Amuda called on participants to be bold, present, and open; reminding them that “this journey, supported by the AFRETEC Network and the unwavering commitment of UNILAG leadership, is designed to shape researchers who will not only make Africa proud but drive its transformation”.
Professor Ismail Ibraheem, UNILAG-AFRETEC Network Coordinator and Director, Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects (IRPP), provided a deeper understanding of AFRETEC. He explained that the Network currently comprises nine member universities including the University of Lagos and Université Cheikh Anta Diop representing West Africa, alongside Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, American University in Cairo, University of Nairobi, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Africa, University of the Witwatersrand, and University of Rwanda.
According to him, all institutions are connected through a shared vision of advancing inclusive digital transformation across Africa, with strong backing from the Mastercard Foundation and coordination by CMU Africa. Founded in 2022, AFRETEC is anchored on three core pillars: Teaching and Learning, Knowledge Creation, and Entrepreneurship. Each pillar is supported by an overarching emphasis on Inclusion and Diversity.
Professor Ibraheem expressed appreciation for the physical presence of representatives from all member universities at the 5-day programme in Lagos, acknowledging their commitment despite the long distances travelled. He emphasised that the deeper purpose of the programme is to shape minds, build character, and ignite a research culture that responds to real African needs.
That mission was brought to life during a stirring keynote address by Professor Matthew E. Studley of the University of the West of England, Bristol. Drawing on global perspectives, yet remaining keenly attuned to the African context, he painted a picture of what could be possible if doctoral research were reimagined; not as isolated inquiry, but as a force for community impact, technological advancement, and inclusive development.
His message was clear: research must no longer sit in silos; it must reach into the streets, the farms, the clinics, and the innovation hubs of our cities and towns.
One of the most fascinating segments of the first day unfolded during a panel discussion on leadership across academia and industry. The conversation, which included voices from TETFund; IRPP, UNILAG; School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), UNILAG; Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre (ESDC), UNILAG and the private sector, challenged old norms and called for new alliances.
Moderated by Sharon Ijasan of TVC News, the panellists: Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei (TETFund); Professor Abraham Osinubi (Dean of SPGS, UNILAG); Professor Ismail Ibraheem (Director of IRPP, UNILAG); Dr Wasiu Odufisan (industry consultant in Geoscience) and Professor Sunday Adebisi (Director of ESDC, UNILAG), spoke passionately to participants and the entire African continent. They urged all pursuing research to become researchers who are not only intellectually sound but also socially awake. They also encouraged all participants to leave the academy as change agents and researchers who see knowledge not just as an end, but as a bridge to enterprise, policy, and sustainable development.
There were honest truths shared: about the dangers of doing research for prestige rather than purpose; urgent need to start cultivating value-driven thinking from early education; critical role governments and industries must play in supporting long-term, purpose-driven research, to mention a few.
Later, in a session led by Professor Matthew Olusoji Ilori, Director, Academic Planning Unit, UNILAG; the idea of resilience was explored not as a buzzword but as the heart-beat of academic success. He spoke with conviction, reminding young researchers that their pursuit should not be driven by financial gain but by the longing to deepen understanding and make meaningful contributions.
The Academy unfolded with further thought-provoking presentations by Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, Director of NITHub, UNILAG and Professor Benhard Gross, Director, Doctoral Academy, UWE, Bristol. They brought attention to the evolving face of research, which is now increasingly multidisciplinary, AI-enabled, and human-centred. Both speakers drew from personal and institutional experience to show how research can be intellectually robust and commercially relevant; how it can address pressing issues; from climate change to public health, and ultimately, how research can transform lives.
It was particularly inspiring to hear the voices of emerging researchers fill the room at the close of each day. Guided by award-winning UNILAG PhD alumni, Dr. Ahmed Yinusa and Dr. Adetoun Akitoye, participants shared reflections on their inspiration for applying to partake in the Doctoral Academy, what their hopes were and what obtains in their home institutions/countries where doctoral studies are concerned.
On subsequent days, the participants had the opportunity to learn from more enlightening and interactive sessions by: Professor Thomas Mbuya, Professor Solomoon Okunuga, Professor Taibat Lawanson; Dr Ayodele Shittu, Dr Babaunde Sawyerr, and Dr Adegboyega Ehinmowo.
As the UNILAG Doctoral Academy continues for the rest of the week, it is evident that something has shifted, with budding researchers metamorphosing into stewards of change. The University has great hopes that the change will continue across labs, lecture halls, boardrooms, and communities.
For those who were not part of this edition of the UNILAG Doctoral Academy powered by AFRETEC, there is hope yet. The future is being built, one researcher, one idea, and one breakthrough at a time. And the University of Lagos, in partnership with AFRETEC, is right at the heart of it.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
Photographer: Samuel Dosumu
Article Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibrahim
2 responses
It’s a very good initiative,it’ll make research in our institution to be relevant in our society,and boost the overall development of the country.
This Academy has been truly impactful for me as a researcher. I’ve learned so much—from identifying problems within my environment to journal writing. One of the buzzwords that really stuck with me is “sabificate”—the ability to acquire a skill and own it. It reminds me that beyond our certificates, it’s the practical skills we possess that can generate income and create real value.
It was so painful for me to miss yesterday’s session due to other important meetings, but I’m fully set and ready for today. Baba God, please let the rain stop ooooooh! 🙏 We, Your children, are eager to learn more so we can make meaningful impact in our global community.
I am forever grateful to my twin brother who encouraged me to pick up the form for my MSc. To the glory of God, I have no regrets. I did my MSc at UNILAG, and it has brought countless blessings—lessons, collaborations, innovations, and more.
I’m so proud to be a part of the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride. A big shoutout to the wonderful and intelligent organizers—God bless you all richly!