Posts in category: Social Impact

In a resounding testament to academic collaboration and capacity building, the workshop titled “Grant Writing, Winning, and Rewardable Scholarly Career in Africa”—held at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) on February 15–16, 2024—brought together some of the brightest minds in African research. Co-organised by TASUED and the DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC), the event hosted over 80 scholars from various public and private institutions, all converging to sharpen their skills in research, grant acquisition, and academic development.

Among the facilitators who left a lasting impression was Dr. Judith I. Ani, a respected qualitative researcher and passionate academic leader affiliated with Inspire World Foundation. Dr. Ani played a pivotal role in the workshop’s success, leading a specialised session on qualitative research methods that offered participants a deep dive into the intricacies of design, data collection, and analysis.

With clarity and warmth, Dr. Ani guided participants through the often complex terrain of qualitative inquiry, illustrating how narratives, interviews, and grounded theory approaches could be employed to uncover rich, contextual insights—particularly within African communities. Her session not only demystified qualitative research for early-career academics but also reinforced its value in tackling pressing societal issues, such as gender inequality, community health, and education.

The two-day workshop was enriched by contributions from prominent speakers and facilitators, including Prof. Evans Osabuohien (Chair of DIaDeRC), Prof. Samuel Ekundayo (Director of Research at TASUED), and Olasubomi Obadeyi of Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), who addressed research ethics and communication. It also featured a high-level engagement from public officials, notably the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology in Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi A. Arigbabu, and TASUED’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Sikiru Banjo.

Dr. Ani’s interactive approach allowed participants to explore real-world research scenarios, refine their methodological choices, and receive personalised feedback. Her facilitation underscored the critical role of qualitative research in grant-winning proposals—emphasising depth, context, and the human element behind data.

The workshop concluded with practical breakout sessions, where scholars presented concept notes in thematic groups, receiving expert feedback from facilitators like Dr. Ani. Many participants described these sessions as transformative, with several now actively collaborating in research teams formed under the new TASUED-DIaDeRC Community.

As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere buzzed with newfound confidence and camaraderie. Certificates were issued, media houses like NTA and Nigerian Tribune captured the moment, and facilitators like Dr. Judith Ani were celebrated for their role in shaping a new generation of African scholars.

This workshop not only showcased the synergy between institutions like TASUED and DIaDeRC but also affirmed the power of mentorship and methodical research training—areas where Dr. Ani continues to lead with expertise and inspiration.

In alignment with the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this outreach event sought to address the critical need for education for a sustainable development. Recognizing the alarming statistic that six out of 10 children fail to reach basic education due to a learning crisis, our initiative aimed to reshape perceptions of education among young minds. We believe that education should not be viewed as a daunting task but rather as a gateway to opportunity and growth. To instill this perspective, we organized an outreach event targeting over 500 beneficiaries, with the primary focus on projecting education as a catalyst for development and equipping children with essential skills for the future.

Objectives and Approach:

The core objective of our outreach was to expose children to the indispensable skills required for their holistic development, including critical and creative thinking, teamwork, resilience, and effective communication. Understanding that traditional classroom methods may not fully address these needs, we decided to utilize sport, specifically football, as an innovative entry point. Football, with its universal appeal and inherent values, serves as an effective tool for instilling important life lessons such as teamwork, respect, honesty, and resilience. By integrating football into our educational outreach, we aimed to create a fun-filled experience with lasting impact.

Implementation and Impact:

The outreach event unfolded with various engaging activities designed to blend education with sport. Through interactive sessions, children were encouraged to explore the parallels between football and life skills. They learned the importance of teamwork, the value of perseverance in the face of challenges, and the significance of mutual respect both on and off the field. Beyond physical health benefits, the event also fostered the development of psychosocial skills and leadership abilities among participants.

Moreover, the outreach served as a platform to emphasize the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting gender equality. By instilling a passion for learning at a young age, we aspire to pave the way for a future where both boys and girls have equal opportunities to lead dignified lives. The event concluded with a renewed sense of enthusiasm among participants, as they embraced the transformative power of education and sport.

Conclusively:

Our outreach event successfully merged the principles of education, sport, and sustainable development to empower over 500 children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. By leveraging the universal appeal of football, we were able to instill valuable life skills while promoting the importance of education for long-term prosperity. As we reflect on the impact of this initiative, we remain committed to fostering a generation of empowered individuals who are equipped to create positive change in their communities and beyond.