History
The first edition of this project was birthed under the name Ibadan Knowledge Hub because it was hosted in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. The interdisciplinary and practical knowledge conceptualization and application project, conceived as an offshoot of the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst -German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) sponsored Alumni conference titled “Falling ‘& part? Inclusion as an Intervention into the Nigerian Experience.”
The project brought together emerging scholars and professionals for three days of intensive interdisciplinary sessions for 40 selected undergraduates.
Part of the motivation for the initiative was mobilizing emerging scholars and young professionals as interventionists and collaborators in solving identifiable social problems. The Knowledge Hub is setting the agenda for social change, confidence building, mentoring and empowering the younger generation of Nigerians and Africans. It is a vision that prides itself on being interested in the ingenuity of knowledge and its practical relevance towards the development of African societies.
Some of the specific objectives of the 2021 Ibadan Knowledge Hub project is highlighted as follows:
- Provide emerging scholars and young professionals with a platform for self-reflexive applicable methods of reimaging knowledge dispensation and acquisitions.
- Attempted to address, albeit in a modest way, the far-reaching consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and recurring strikes on the education system in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Nigerian students. By acknowledging these challenges, the Ibadan Knowledge Hub aimed to identify innovative solutions and approaches to mitigate their impact on the students.
- Mentoring the younger generation of Nigerian graduates through the expansion of their social network. We also empower participants through exposure to critical global discourses and academic debates, which are relevant guides to navigating the challenges they face in their academic and professional journeys.
- Facilitate skill development, knowledge empowerment, and practical application opportunities by offering hands-on training, workshops, and interactive sessions.
- Foster collaboration and networking among participants, creating a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to knowledge exchange and future partnerships. The Knowledge Hub provided a platform for participants to connect, share ideas, and forge collaborations that would contribute to advancing research, innovation, and education in Nigeria.
Facilitators
Gallery
The 40 participants, being the first cohort of the knowledge hub cohort, were selected from the poll of 99 applicants across Nigerian universities. The participants were all undergraduates of diverse disciplines from the Universities of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of Lagos, Bowen University, and the Federal University of Technology Akure. The participants had 25 hours of intensive knowledge sessions before their departure. The sessions were conceived as interdisciplinary and the learning space ideology of non-hierarchical and collegiate in nature.
Feedback
“3 Days, 10 Facilitators, 35 Participants, 2 programs. The last 3 Days has been thrilling, educating, fun filled, eye opening and sweet. I’m indeed grateful to the conveyors of the Ibadan knowledge Hub for putting together events as diverse and impactful as these. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’ll love to do this over and over again”
Favour Ode
B.Sc Economics, Graduate, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
The 2021 Ibadan knowledge hub session was highly educational, with a vast array of topics discussed. The project provided us with vast possibilities of knowing relationships between various fields of study. The variety of sessions provided insight into career and economic opportunities and the avenue for the application of an interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and life in general. In terms of networking, my social network was expanded in many ways as the project created space and opportunity to meet with students in other institutions in Nigeria. One of my most memorable moments at the Ibadan knowledge hub was the presentation of Ms. Dandara Maia and her study of Nigerian fashion and trends of the past. The presentation piqued my interest as a student of history.
Joseph Ololajulo
History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos,
The learning atmosphere was very conducive and comfortable. The sessions were intense and practical – we were not just learning theories but the application of theories.
I had the opportunity to dive more into and locate my passion for humanitarian services. I became more passionate about making a positive impact in my local community. One of the things that stood out for me was the conference experience which incorporated Yoruba religious practitioners. Through their panels and presentations, I learned more about the African traditional religion, which I had my initial bias towards before my participation at the Ibadan Knowledge Hub. I will recommend this project to as many people as possible. I am sure it would be worth their time as it was worth my time in 2021. I am not gotten over the experience! Anonymous
Anonymous