It was an afternoon of laughter, joy and merriment as staff and friends of the University of Lagos African Cluster Centre (LACC) gathered at the J. P. Clark Building, UNILAG, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, to celebrate its 7-year grant extension, which was announced on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
With its first seven-year funding set to conclude in December 2025, LACC secured an additional seven years grant to advance groundbreaking research under its newly adopted name: Africa Multiple Research Centre (AMRC).
The grant extension, facilitated through the University of Bayreuth, Germany, ensures that AMRC will continue its mission of reconfiguring African Studies alongside partner institutions: University of Bayreuth, Germany; Moi University, Kenya; Rhodes University, South Africa and Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Burkina Faso.
Members of UNILAG management team including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh; Registrar, Mrs. Abosede Wickliffe and Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle joined in the celebration, re-affirming their commitment to the Centre’s ongoing success.
Driving African-Centered Research Forward
In a brief address at the event, the Acting Director of the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), Research Prof. Ayo Yusuff, acknowledged the immense contributions of the immediate past Director of IADS, Director of UNILAG LACC and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. ‘Muyiwa Falaiye. He commended his visionary leadership that has positioned the Centre for greater impact.
Prof. Falaiye took the stage to share the rigorous journey that led to the grant renewal. He pointed out that LACC stood out as the most impactful among peer institutions—securing the highest number of grants and spearheading pivotal research initiatives globally. He passionately stressed the value of African studies, dispelling doubts about its relevance.
A Call to Action: Sustaining Excellence in Research
With the grant extension securing the next phase of AMRC’s research journey, Prof. Falaiye rallied members of the Cluster Centre to view the extension as a call to intensify their efforts—expanding African-led research initiatives and deepening scholarly discourse across the continent.
In her remarks, Prof. Ogunsola encouraged African scholars to embrace indigenous knowledge systems and challenge colonial-era perspectives that have historically shaped academic discourse.
She emphasized the growing momentum behind African storytelling, urging IADS to continue to make research more accessible through contemporary media such as skits and short films.
Visit https://www.youtube.com/@instituteofafricananddiasp560/to view some of IADS video collection.
The UNILAG helmswoman invited attendees to UNILAG-in-Town 2025, featuring a stage production of “Mórẹmí Àjàsorò” by Creative Arts students of the University. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025. Tickets can be obtained via: https://unilag.edu.ng/tickets-now-available-for-unilag-in-town-2025-stage-play-moremi-ajasoro/
The grant extension marks not only a continuation of LACC’s achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to advancing African studies through rigorous, Africa-centered scholarship and research excellence.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
