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IADS-AMRC, UNILAG WINS GERMAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION (DFG) PROJECT GRANTS

The Director, Africa Multiple Research Centre (AMRC), University of Lagos, Research Professor Ayodele Yusuff is pleased to announce that some of the Researchers at the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) and some of their Associates from other departments at the University of Lagos have received grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the Cluster of Excellence in African Studies, University of Bayreuth for their various projects. This achievement reflects their scholarly excellence, commitment, and contribution to advancing African research. The Cluster, established in January 2019 and renewed in May 2025 through the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments, and building on a long and stellar record in African Studies at the University of Bayreuth, the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence pursues an ambitious and innovative agenda, expressed in the subtitle “Reconfiguring African Studies”. Initially comprising of twenty-five Principal Investigators but steadily growing in membership, it now hosts more than 140 scholars from three continents, who represent a diverse range of academic disciplines and pursue joint research interests together with academic partner institutions in Africa, Germany, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We sincerely appreciate the Cluster of Excellence in African Studies, University of Bayreuth, and the German Research Foundation (DFG) for their invaluable support and continued investment in collaborative African scholarship. The successful project titles and names of the Researchers and their Team Members from other Universities in Africa, Germany, Europe and South America are:- The Project entitled “Memory, History, and the Production of National Culture in Africa”has been awarded a 4-year grant between October 2026 and November 2030. The Team comprises Dr. Abisoye Eleshin (University of Lagos), Dr. Tom Mboya (Moi University, Kenya) and Dr. Fabio Figueiredo (UFBA, Brazil). The Project entitled “(Un/In) Habitability in African Urban Transition Zones” received a 4-year grant. The Cluster members on this project are Dr. Feyi Ademola-Adeoye (University of Lagos), Prof. Dr. Benjamin Kirby (University of Bayreuth, Germany), Prof. Dr. Cyrus Samimi (University of Bayreuth, Germany), Prof. Dr. Heila Lotz-Sisitka (Rhodes University, South Africa) and Dr. Nina Rholan Houngue (University of Bayreuth, Germany) The Project, titled “Digital Cultures and Textuality: Reframing, Re-imagining and Re-inventing African Ecocritical Narratives through Creative Works, Material Cultures and Digital Discourses”also received a 4-year grant award. Members consist of Prof. Tunde Ope-Davies (University of Lagos), Justine Sikuku (Moi University Kenya) and Dr. Cyriaque Pare (Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Burkina Faso). The Project, titled “Living with Violence, Navigating Insecurity: Un/Making Violent Worlds Across African Conflict Settings”received a 4-year grant award from the Cluster of Excellence. Members include Dr. Moses Yakubu (University of Lagos), Dr. Adam Sandor (University of Bayreuth, Germany) and Dr. Melina Kalfelis (University of Bayreuth, Germany). The Project entitled “Digital Transition and Occupations in African Contexts: Case Studies in Burkinabe, Kenyan and Nigerian Universities”also received a 4-year grant. Members include Dr. Bilqis Alayaki (University of Lagos) Prof. Dr. Natewinde Sawadogo (Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Burkina Faso), and Ms. Joy Owango (TCC Africa, Kenya). The Project, titled “Translating African Oral Arts and World-Making in Digital Spaces” also received a grant for a period of four (4) years. The members comprise Dr. Oluwatoyin Olokodana-James (University of Lagos), Dr. Rose Opondo (Moi University, Kenya), Prof. Dr. Lynda G. Spencer (Rhodes University, South Africa), and Dr. Barthelemy Kabore (Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Burkina Faso). The project entitled “Popular Intelligence” received a 2-year grant award between July 2026 and August 2028. The Team comprises Prof. Dr. Peter Oni (University of Lagos), Prof. Dr. Martin Doevenspeck (University of Bayreuth), and Kamal Donko Lasdel (Benin Republic).

2026 CAAS CONFERENCE- Global Africa: Legacies, Change and Aspirations.

Researchers and affiliates of the Africa Multiple Research Centre (AMRC), University of Lagos, proudly participated in the 2026 Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) Annual Conference, held under the theme “Global Africa: Legacies, Change and Aspirations.” The conference took place at Glendon College, York University, Canada, from 9th to 12th June 2026. Their presence at this important international gathering reflected AMRC’s commitment to advancing research, strengthening academic collaborations, and contributing meaningfully to global conversations on Africa’s past, present, and future. The engagement also provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and scholarly dialogue. In the picture L-R are:- Dr. Moses Yakubu, Dr. Oluwatoyin Olokodana-James, Dr. Florence Nweke, Dr. Feyisayo Ademola-Adeoye, Dr. Akinmayowa Akin-Otiko and Abdul-Lateef Awodele, University of Manitoba, Canada – an attendee of the first Unilag African Cluster Centre (UNILAG-ACC) Graduate Conference.

2026 CALL FOR VISITING FELLOWSHIP

Africa Multiple Research Centre, University of Lagos calls for applications for a short Visiting Fellowship between one and three months, the fellowship must be taken between July 1 and November 30, 2026. Scholars interested in major theme of RECONFIGURING African Studies through a multidisciplinary engagement are welcome. The aim of the Fellowship is to expose senior scholars to a process of reconfiguring African Studies within the African context and realities. The scholarship will make the scholar a Fellow of Lagos – Africa Multiple Centre (AMRC). Click here for details

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN AFRICAN STUDIES-2026

Africa Multiple Centre (AMRC), University of Lagos, Nigeria, welcomes submission of applications for a maximum of 3 months postdoctoral fellowship in African and Diaspora Studies. The fellowship is funded by the African Multiple Centre of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth under the auspices of Germany Excellence Strategy. It is designed to support early career scholars and/or junior faculty whose research interests are centered on or related to African Studies and the overarching agenda of Reconfiguring African Studies. Click here for details

LECTURE BY DR. ABISOYE ELESHIN

Dr. Abisoye Eleshin discussed the formal and informal protocols governing dethronement and re-enthronement within the Obaship institution of Old Lagos. He highlighted that Lagos is rooted largely in Benin-derived royal traditions, where a complex system of indigenous governance in which chiefs functioned as both gatekeepers and kingmakers is developed. Click here to read the paper   Drawing on qualitative engagements with Lagos royal houses, his research analyses cases involving about six Obas, highlighting mechanisms of control before and after enthronement. It interrogates the interplay of indigenous hegemony, colonial power, and emerging notions of Oba autonomy. Central is the principle “Bi Oba kan ko ku, Oba miiran ko je,” underscoring Lagos’s distinctive approach to royal legitimacy and succession.

LECTURE BY DR. AKINMAYOWA AKIN-OTIKO

Dr. Akinmayowa Akin-Otiko delivered a lecture entitled “THE MAKING OF, AND THE ISSUES AROUND NEO-APOLOGISTS OF THE RELIGIONS FOUND AMONG AFRICANS” on October 22, 2025 at the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos. Click here to read the paper

UNILAG ACC HOSTS A HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION FROM BAYREUTH, GERMANY

On October 16, 2025, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) African Cluster Centre (ACC) welcomed a high-level delegation from the University of Bayreuth, Germany, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership. The delegation was received by Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, alongside Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management) and Director of UNILAG ACC, Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, and Director of the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, Research Professor, Ayodele Yusuff. The visit celebrated the transition of the Africa Multiple Research Centre (AMRC) into its second phase, bolstered by a seven-year grant extension from the German Research Foundation (DFG). Since its inception in 2019, this collaboration, led by the “Reconfiguring African Studies” project, has been vital in advancing world-class research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange between the institutions. Together, we continue to redefine African scholarship and amplify African-led research on the global stage. L-R: The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and the Vice President, University of Bayreuth. L-R: The Vice President, Vice Dean and the Managing Director of the Cluster of Excellence, University of Bayreuth.

LECTURE BY DR. FEYISAYO ADEOYE

Dr. Feyi Ademola-Adeoye presented a comprehensive analysis of linguistic creativity and innovation in Nigerian gospel music, emphasizing its role as a cultural expression that incorporates Nigerian Pidgin English and indigenous languages.  CLICK HERE TO READ THE PAPER The presentation outlined the significance of Nigeria’s multilingual society in fostering artistic creativity, particularly through the use of code-switching. Code switching between English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin is prevalent in songs, reflecting the multicultural nature of Nigerian society.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENTS

The University of Lagos African Multiple Research Centre (AMRC) is a centre within the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), a reputable research institute at the University of Lagos, committed to advancing excellence in cutting-edge research and innovation. The Centre hereby invites suitably qualified candidates for the following positions: – Head of Administration. Information Technology (IT) Officer. Administrative Assistant.   Job Title: Head of Administration Location: Lagos State Institution: UNILAG AMRC Employment Type: Contract (3years) Position Summary The Head of Administration will be in charge of the administration of the AMRC by providing strategic leadership and oversight of all administrative functions. The role requires a dynamic and results-driven professional with at least twelve (12) years of progressive work experience, including substantial leadership responsibilities. Some experience in project management will be required. Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will: Provide overall leadership and coordination of the Centre’s administrative functions. Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and systems that ensure effective administrative operations. Manage facilities, logistics, and administrative services to support research programs. Advise senior management on organizational development, personnel planning, and institutional governance. Prepare and manage administrative budgets, reports, and records. Qualifications and Experience At least a good Master’s degree in relevant fields. Relevant professional certification(s) and membership of professional bodies will be an added advantage. Proven leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Job Title: IT Officer Location: Lagos State Institution: UNILAG AMRC Employment Type: Contract (3years) Position Summary We are seeking a proactive and skilled IT Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will manage the Centre’s IT infrastructure, oversee system administration, maintain web platforms, and manage social media presence to ensure effective communication and visibility. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and a strong track record of providing IT support and solutions that drive organizational efficiency. Key Responsibilities: Oversee day-to-day system administration, including servers, networks, and user support. Design, develop, and maintain the Centre’s website to ensure accessibility, functionality, and security. Manage and update the social media accounts to enhance online visibility and engagement. Provide technical support to staff and researchers, ensuring smooth IT operations. Collaborate with internal teams to develop digital communication and outreach strategies. Qualifications and Requirements: At least a Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Minimum of 3 years proven experience in system administration and web development. Proficiency in website management (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS platforms). Experience in managing and creating content for social media platforms. At least one IT certification (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco, CNE, Microsoft) is an added advantage. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic academic environment. Job Title: Administrative Assistant Location: Lagos State Institution: UNILAG AMRC Employment Type: Contract (3years) Position Summary We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Administrative Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate for the post should normally possess 5 Credits, including English and Mathematics at one sitting (SSCE/WASSCE). He/She will provide essential administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of daily activities within the organization. Key Responsibilities Handle day-to-day administrative tasks to support office operations. Maintain accurate filing systems (physical and electronic) for easy retrieval of documents. Provide clerical support including typing, photocopying, and scanning documents. Maintain confidentiality and uphold organizational policies at all times. Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining records. Qualifications & Experience 5 Credits, including English and Mathematics at one siting (WASSCE/SSCE or equivalent) is required. Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work with minimal supervision. High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. The University of Lagos African Multiple Research Centre (AMRC) is an equal opportunity centre, and Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply. How to Apply: Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit an application letter, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three (3) referees and copies of relevant credentials to: Deputy Director, Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (DD/IADS), J.P. Clark Centre, Behind Senate Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, indicating the post for which application is made at the top left corner of the envelope. OR E-mail to: iads@unilag.edu.ng ATTENTION: DEPUTY DIRECTOR, IADS Deadline for submission of applications: The application should reach the DD/IADS not later than six (6) weeks from the date of this publication i.e before October 30, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Subject line for e-mail applications: POSITION APPLIED FOR – YOUR NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS