UNILAG Arts Faculty Kickstarts Mentoring Forum With Big Bang!

Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos has initiated a mentoring forum aimed at empowering early career researchers and scholars.  Tagged the Sub Dean’s Forum for Mentoring (Dialogue Series I), the maiden edition of the forum kicked off on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Julius Berger Hall, UNILAG, Akoka.

The highly interactive event provided a platform for open discussions, and networking among facilitators and participants which included lecturers and Ph.D students drawn from various departments of the university. Renowned Professor of History and Strategic Studies, Professor Ademola Adeleke served as the event’s Chairman and Moderator, while the Sub-Dean of Faculty of Arts, Dr, Henry Ogunjewo, and Dr, Solomon Azumurana served as Anchors.

The line-up of top-notch facilitators included:

• Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, an expert in Marine History;
• Professor Abraham Osinubi, Renowned Anatomist and Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies;
• Professor MuyiwaFalaiye, Director, Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS);
• Professor AkanbiIlupeju Dean of Arts, and
• Professor Austin Nwagbara of the Department of English

These facilitators shared their vast wealth of knowledge and experiences in various areas related to academic research and career development.

One of the key areas of discussions was the process of publishing in reputable journals. This was handled by former Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Ikorodu, Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju who provided valuable insights into the standards and requirements of high-impact journals, as well as practical tips to increase the likelihood of acceptance. He shared his own experiences and success stories, in a bid to offer guidance on selecting appropriate journals, crafting compelling manuscripts, and navigating the peer-review process.

In his presentation, Professor Muyiwa Falaiye shared hands-on guidelines on Effective Grant Writing. He enumerated steps to achieve grant awards with valuable research proposals. Using his many years of expertise in securing funding for research projects, Professor Falaiye gave a roadmap of viable strategies to win financial support for scholarly endeavors. He stressed the importance of aligning research goals with the interests and priorities of funding agencies, as well as the significance of clear and concise writing to make a compelling case for financial support.

Professor Austin Nwagbara extensively covered ways of Exploring, Exploiting, and Expanding Opportunities in Research. He emphasized the importance of pursuing impactful research and ways of building successful academic careers.

The session of the Faculty of Arts Dean, Professor Akanbi Ilupeju, focused on understanding the university system and navigating its complexities. He illuminated the key components of the university system and ways early career members of faculty can effectively navigate administrative processes, engage with colleagues, and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields.

The multilinguist and Professor of European Languages shed light on the institution’s history, vision, and strategic priorities, helping participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the university’s role in the academic community and society at large.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the forum and a member of the Faculty, Professor Ademola Adeleke described the forum as a reiteration of the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of mentorship and professional development among its academic community.

According to the former Student Affairs Dean, “by providing a platform for experienced faculty members to share their knowledge and experiences, the university aims to empower lecturers and Ph.D. students with the necessary skills and guidance to excel in their academic pursuits’’.

The respected scholar shared his experiences in terms of identifying and seizing research opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships for interdisciplinary projects.

The Faculty of Arts Sub Dean’s Forum for Mentoring is one of several ongoing initiatives aimed at nurturing and supporting early faculty members, as well as promoting academic growth within the university.