To facilitate professional networking and help participants to maximize the gains of the conference, all paper presenters will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the five-day event. All the 253 sessions of LSA 2025 will be accessible, free of charge, to the audience attending virtually and physically because of the unpaid labor and intellectual investment of LSA members
1) The Final Program of LSA 2025 (University of Lagos/Zoom, June 17-21)
With 255 panels in 2025, the LSA Conference remains the biggest academic gathering in Nigeria and one of the biggest in global African studies—probably second. LSA 2024 featured 200 panels. This new expansion is not a meaningless or a cosmetic one, but a reflection of the superlatively creative manner that scholars, especially the early and mid-career, are imagining knowledge in response to major shifts in Africa’s political, cultural, and economic landscapes. And the expanded access the LSA is granting to scholars and practitioners across the world to showcase their work.
Audiences will choose from over a dozen professional development workshops on book and journal publishing, academic job hunting, women in academia, teaching pedagogy, fellowship application and grant writing, and graduate school application and experience, among others; roundtables on 22 books that are at the cutting edge of scholarship in the humanities and social sciences; film screenings; a dance performance, and critical-celebratory panels on very senior scholars and canonical works that laid the foundation of newer studies. Dozens of panels on original paper presentations offer new perspectives on a spectrum of fields and subfields.
To facilitate professional networking and help participants to maximize the gains of the conference, all paper presenters will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the five-day event.
All the 255 sessions of LSA 2025 will be accessible, free of charge, to the audience attending virtually and physically because of the unpaid labor and intellectual investment of LSA members, journal and book acquisition editors, and senior scholars facilitators; infrastructure support of the University of Lagos; and funding from Florida International University Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, Yale University Council on African Studies, University of Michigan African Studies Center, Canada Research Chair in Youth and African Urban Futures at Queen’s University, The Tamar Golan Africa Center at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Kansas African Studies Center at the University of Kansas, Boston University African Studies Center, the International African Institute, The British Academy, and The French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria).
For participants who are not presenting, pre-registration and payment are not required. Zoom links are embedded in each session of the Conference Program.
Get the program, here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/630afcab31f1c61c6a285f5c/t/684342482ae3ac27bb680f22/1749238347022/Final+Program.pdf
2) Professional Conduct at LSA 2025
For nine years, the LSA Conference has acquired the reputation of a friendly community of academics and practitioners, where embryonic and emerging topics are tested among scholars willing to make constructive recommendations. Our community comprises non-academic practitioners like artists, filmmakers, independent scholars, and archivists, whose ways of knowing and knowledge creation are different from academic researchers.
Consequently, we reiterate that a conference presentation is not a doctoral thesis viva. We expect the highest level of professional conducts during the conference. Most of our presenters are junior academics presenting at an academic conference for the first time. We ask for respectful conversations and critiques, even if there is disagreement over ideas and the presentation of facts. The LSA frowns at hazing and all forms of unprofessional behavior dressed as criticism.
3) Boston University’s African Studies Center Support for LSA 2025
The LSA acknowledges the financial support of Boston University’s African Studies Center. Facilitated by LSA member Nimi Wariboko who is also the Director, this support, which goes directly in providing accommodation and supporting the participation of emerging scholars, is crucial in the era of superfluous inflation which threatens our tradition of enhancing professional networking by providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all registered presenters throughout the five-day event. And mounting the technology, logistics, and human capital to bring home a 253-panel conference.
For more on BU’s African Studies Center: https://www.bu.edu/africa/
We welcome other institutions and funding bodies to support the LSA. If your institution would like to contribute, please contact the LSA at: [email protected]
4) International African Institute Support for LSA 2025
The LSA acknowledges the financial support of the International African Institute (IAI) towards LSA 2025. Facilitated by LSA life member and chair of the Publications Committee Carli Coetzee, the IAI’s support is crucial in the era of superfluous inflation which threatens our tradition of enhancing professional networking by providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all registered presenters throughout the five-day event. And mounting the technology, logistics, and human capital to bring home a 253-panel conference.
For more on the IAI and their resources, see: https://www.internationalafricaninstitute.org/
We welcome other institutions and funding bodies to support the LSA. If your institution would like to contribute, please contact the LSA at: [email protected]
5) IFRA-Nigeria Support for LSA 2025
The LSA acknowledges the financial support of the Nigeria Office of the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria) towards LSA 2025.
Every year since 2017, IFRA-Nigeria has given direct financial support to LSA, while also participating in professional development sessions. We are grateful to Director Dr. Barbara Morovich and Deputy Director Dr. Delphine Manetta for making this happen for us.
Established in Nigeria in 1990 and housed in the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan, IFRA-Nigeria has committed significant intellectual work and funds in promoting cutting-edge research in the social sciences and the humanities in Africa. For more on IFRA-Nigeria, see their website https://lnkd.in/ezkqXCmU
6) LSA 2025 Writing Workshop
On January 4, the LSA announced application for the 2025 edition of the Writing Workshop, one of our signature professional development events. We received over 200 applications. We are pleased to announce the winners.
The LSA will provide nine nights of hotel accommodation, registration fee waiver, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner from June 13 to 22, 2025, and transportation allowance.
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Selected Participants
Hadiza Bello Abdullahi (Kaduna State University)
Adedeji Adebayo (University of Ibadan)
Mayowa Adeyeye (University of Lagos)
Ibironke Dominion Adigun (Tai Solarin University of Education)
Ayodele Akinyele (University of Ibadan)
Moses Aule (Kaduna State College of Education)
Noah Balogun (Afe Babalola University)
Binta Garba (Kaduna Polytechnic)
Esther Idowu (University of Ibadan)
Taariqa-Rahamat Ilupeju (University of Ibadan)
Divine Joe (Federal University, Otuoke)
Olasunbo Jubreel (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology)
John Odoh (Federal University of Kashere)
Bukola Omolara Odunola (University of Ibadan)
Lucy Odusina-Onaivi (Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education)
Rasheed Ogakason (Bayero University)
Oreoluwa Oguntomisin (University of Ilesa)
Esther Ololajulo (University of Ibadan)
Olaolu Oluwasanmi (Kings University)
Temitayo Eniola Omigbule (Obafemi Awolowo University)
Kolawole Omotayo (Adeyemi Federal University of Education)
Okechukwu Onuegbu (University of Nigeria)
Casmir Onyemuchara (Alex Ekwueme Federal University)
Adetoun Oyelude (University of Ibadan)
7) LSA Mentoring Program for Women Graduate Students in Nigeria
Third Cohort of Mentees
On February 14, the LSA released a Call for Application for the third cohort of mentees in its Mentoring Program for Women Graduate Students in Nigeria.
We are pleased to announce the 24 successful applicants! These mentees will receive six nights of hotel accommodation during LSA 2025, breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the five-day event, registration fee reimbursement/waiver, and transportation allowance. More importantly, they will have the opportunity to work with senior scholars in their fields for their professional development.
Selected Participants
Mistura Bello (Tai Solarin University of Education)
Kenechukwu Mordi (University of Nigeria)
Oluwagbemisola Adetula (Obafemi Awolowo University)
Joy Oladapo (Landmark University)
Christiana Musa Bako (Bayero University)
Oluwafunmilayo Grace Kuranga (Ahmadu Bello University)
Adeola Ajayi (University of Lagos)
Bolaji Akanni (University of Ibadan)
Mariam Salaudeen (Osun State University)
Funke Awodiya (Afe Babalola University)
Faith Eborka (Dennis Osadebay University)
Temitope Olowolafe (Ajayi Crowther University)
Baraka Alao (University of Lagos)
Miracle Ijiomah (Abia State University)
Mercy A. Adesetan (University of Ibadan)
Ihuoma Okorie (Bayero University)
Rebecca Banjo (Ajayi Crowther University)
Blessing Odesanmi (University of Ibadan)
Chiemela Mbalisi (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
Cecelia Valentine (Federal University Wukari)
Bilkisu Abubakar (Kaduna State University)
Rashidat Salawu (Kwara State University)
Oyebanke Oyelaja (University of Ibadan)
Bukola Tobi Ezieke (Afe Babalola University)
8) LSA 2025 Travel Grant
On February 8, the LSA announced application for travel grant to attend LSA 2025. We received 380 applications. The travel grant covers six nights of hotel accommodation and fifteen full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from June 17 to 21, transportation allowance, and registration fee reimbursement.
Awardees
Dominic Aboi (Ahmadu Bello University)
Adesanmi Adegoke (Obafemi Awolowo University)
Paulina Adekoya-Oduntan (Lagos State University)
Basirat Adekunle (University of Uyo)
Olawale Abayomi Adeniji (Nigerian Defence Academy)
Bolanle Adetula (University of Ibadan)
Ope Akoleowo (University of Ibadan)
Idara Aniefiok-Ezemonye (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
Azeezat Azeez (Olabisi Onabanjo University)
Temitope Bello (KolaDaisi University)
Kehinde Coker (University of Lagos)
Theodora Etim (University of Calabar)
Olusegun Exradallenum (Lagos State University)
Olusanya Faboyede (Adekunle Ajasin University)
Musa Ruthie Gadzama (University of Jos)
Jude Ikeji (Federal University of Lafia)
Mustapha Isa (University of Ibadan)
Musbahu Ismail (Ahmadu Bello University)
Peter Kertyo (Benson Idahosa University)
Ololade Monsurat Kolawole (Independent Scholar)
Oluwaseun Kugbayi (KolaDaisi University)
Terseer Lijam Lijam (Federal University of Lafia)
Abdulkabir Muhammed (Lagos State University)
Uwaoma Nwazue (University of Maiduguri)
Daniel Nzereogu (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
Ibitayo Odetade (Adeyemi Federal University of Education)
Kingsley Ogunne (Obafemi Awolowo University)
Gabriel Okonkwo (Chrisland University)
Nathaniel Omilani (University of Ibadan)
Charles Okwuowulu (Alex Ekwueme Federal University)
Bilqees Oladunni-Mohammad (University of Lagos)
Kazeem Seriki (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology)
Abayomi Sharomi (Olabisi Onabanjo University)
9) The Waliu Ismaila LSA 2025 Travel Grant for Nigeria-Based Junior Scholars
The LSA will be offering travel grants to up-and-coming Nigeria-based graduate students to attend the LSA Conference through the generous financial support of LSA member Waliu Ismaila (Utah Valley University). The travel grant covers transportation, six nights of hotel accommodation, and fifteen full meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the five-day event for two Nigeria-based scholars.
10) LSA Lifetime Membership Update
Paul Onanuga, a Senior Lecturer at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, is LSA’s 52nd Life Member!
Onanuga presented a paper titled, “Shackling (Im)morality: Religious Tropes, Ecumenical Figures, and Marginalizing Politics in Queer Nigerian Creative Productions” at LSA 2022. He is scheduled to share his postdoctoral experience at the professional development workshop of LSA 2025.
Onanuga’s scholarship crisscrosses multiple fields in the humanities. His publications have appeared in numerous journals including, “Gender and Language,” “Journal of Gender Studies,” “Journal of African Cultural Studies,” “International Journal of Linguistics,” “Contemporary Music Review,” “Quarterly Review of Film and Video,” “Discourse, Context & Media,” “Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa,” “African Identities,” “The African Symposium,” and “Journal of Literary Studies,” among others.
He is a Georg Forster Postdoctoral Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, African Humanities Program Fellow, STIAS/Iso Lomso Fellow and currently LIAS fellow, Leuphana University, Germany.
Onanuga received his PhD from Obafemi Awolowo University.
The LSA Lifetime membership carries a one-time payment of $600 (International) and N200,000 (Nigeria-based). Instruction for membership payment is available here: https://www.lagosstudies.org/membership-directory
11) LSA Lifetime Membership Update
Noah Opeyemi Balogun, a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies, at Afe Babalola University, is LSA’s 53rd Life Member!
Balogun has participated at LSA Conferences since inception. He gave papers at LSA 2023, and he is a Laureate of LSA 2024/Convention of Creativity: Everyday Artistry in Africa. At LSA 2025, he is co-chairing and co-organising three panels on: 1) GenZee Culture, Disruptive Creativity, Sex, Music/Gaming, Mental Health, and Social Media DC-SMMS, 2) Epistemicide, African Narrative of Struggle and the Question of Knowledge and Identity in the Works of John Ayotunde Ishola Bewaji; 3) From Beats to Activism: Engaging the Transformative Power of Fuji Music in Eco-political and Social Reorientation.
His publications have appeared in numerous journals, including African Journal of Stability & Development, Ramon LLull Journal of Applied Ethics, Journal of Community Safety and Well-being, International Journal of Literature, Language and Linguistics, Anthropology Magazine, Anthropologija: Journal of the Department of Ethnology and Anthropology, Global Scientific Journal, International Journal of Arts and Humanities, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science.
Balogun has co-edited and co-authored numerous books and monographs, including, Philosophy, Environment and Sustainable Development (Afe Babalola University, 2023). Peace and Conflict Studies: An Introduction (2021). Leadership Culture and Praxis: An Introductory Text (2020). History and Philosophy of Science: A Brief Survey (2020). Musings on Culture, History and the Nigerian Peoples (2018).
He is the Managing Editor of Àgídìgbo: ABUAD Journal of the Humanities. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Journal of Peace, Development and Humanitarian Affairs. And a Laureate of the 4th Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA)/CASB Summer School in African Studies and Area Studies in Africa.
Balogun received his PhD in African Philosophy from the University of South Africa.
The LSA Lifetime membership carries a one-time payment of $600 (International) and N200,000 (Nigeria-based). Instruction for membership payment is available here: https://www.lagosstudies.org/membership-directory
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12) Stay Connected with LSA
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: Lagosstudies.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/431357430001497
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LagosStudies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lagos-studies-association/?viewAsMember=true
Sincerely,
Saheed Aderinto
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US Secretariat
The Lagos Studies Association
African and African Diaspora Studies Program
Florida International University
Modesto A Maidique Campus
Labor Center, Room 304
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
Website: lagosstudies.org
Email Address: [email protected]
