Programme 2024
Register
Register your place for the 3 day conference (Wed-Fri) on our Eventbrite page
Monday 20 May
Book launch (Hybrid) | Social Sciences SR (14.33) | 16:00 - 17:00
The Centre for Global Development (CGD) and the Centre for African Studies (LUCAS) are delighted to host the launch of Dr Winnifred Bedigen's book: Indigenous Peacebuilding in South Sudan: Delivering Sustainable Peace Through Traditional Institutions, Customs and Practices (Routledge).
Please register to receive an online link.
Tuesday 21 May
Networking of Networks' Day (In-person) | Nexus | 09:00 - 17:00
Three networks will be holding meetings on this day, covering a range of topics.
The Yorkshire African Studies Network (YASN) aims to foster collaboration between Yorkshire universities to better coordinate research ideas, activities and agendas.
The Black Female Academics' Network (BFAN) is a global network for Black female academics, and aims to empower its members in advancing their careers and leadership roles.
The Womens' Leadership programme (WLP), based at the University of Pretoria, aims to and equip women for leadership through structured interventions, including academic training, mentoring, local and international exchanges and leadership-immersion experiences.
Please register, including key contacts for each network.
Wednesday 22 May
Conference Day 1 (Hybrid) | Esther Simpson 1.01 | 09:00 - 20:00
Theme: Reimagining Institutions of Higher Education
| 09:00 am | Registration and welcome |
| 09:40 – 11:00 am | Opening ceremony
Keynote: Prof Luis Francheschi, Assistant Secretary General of The Commonwealth Cultural performances: Thanda Gumede (vocals) and Simeon Walker (piano) Khadijah Ibrahiim (spoken word, also Poet in Residence for Africa Week), Lebo Mashile (spoken word) |
| 20 Minute Break | |
| 11:20 am – 12:40 pm | Higher Education Systems - Teaching and Scholarship
Chair: Prof Jeremiah Arowosegbe and Prof Anna Mdee (University of Leeds) Prof Engobo Emeseh (University of Bradford) Prof Antonio Martinez-Arboleda (Knowledge Equity Network, University of Leeds) Prof Ray Bush (University of Leeds) Imran Sherali (Mo Dewji Foundation, Tanzania) Salha Mohammed Abdo (Open University of Sudan) |
| 12:40 - 14:00 pm Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:20 pm | Research Partnerships and Collaboration
Chair: Dr Alesia Ofori (Cranfield University) Dr Bassey Ebenso (University of Leeds) Dr Mapenzie Tauzie (University of Leeds) Prof Loretta Feris (University of Pretoria, South Africa) Dr John Baison (UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, RAGT Seeds Ltd) |
| 20 Minute Break | |
| 15:40 – 17:00 pm | Women in Leadership
Chair: Prof Lisa-Dionne Morris (University of Leeds) Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung (Lord Mayor of Leeds elect) Prof Marcia Wilson (London Metropolitan University) Prof Opeolu Beatrice Olutoyin (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) Prof Sheryl Williams (Loughborough University) |
| 17:30 pm - 20:00 pm | Cinema Africa!
Hyde Park Picture House Drinks and African canapés reception 17:30 Film viewing 18:30 End 20:00 View more details here |
Thursday 23 May
Conference Day 2 (Hybrid) | Esther Simpson 1.01 | 09:00 - 17:00
Theme: Democratizing Knowledge and Leadership
| 09:00 am | Registration and welcome |
| 09:40 – 11:00 am | Community Education and Indigenous Knowledges
Chair: Dr Winnie Bedigen (University of Leeds) John Korede Akinola (Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson's Foundation, Nigeria) Prof Jok Madut Jok (Syracuse University, USA) Dr Al Fricker (Deakin University, Australia) Prof Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi (University of South Africa) |
| 20 Minute Break | |
| 11:20 am - 12:40 pm | African Feminism in Higher Education
Chair: Dr Iwi Ugiagbe-Green (Manchester Metropolitan University) Prof Awino Okech (SOAS, University of London) Prof Tanya van Wyk (University of Pretoria, South Africa) Dr Sahla Aroussi (University of Leeds) Prof Aylwyn Walsh (University of Leeds) Prof Tendai Mangena (University of Leeds) |
| 12:40 - 14:00 pm Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:20 pm | Student Perspectives
Chair: Ejiro Ikoko (ITS, transport, PhD student) Dikko Yusuf (English) Grace Phiri (Civil Engineering, PhD student) Vivian Nsiah (Politics and International Studies, PhD student) Damarie Kalonzo (Law, PhD student) |
| 20 Minute Break | |
| 15:40 – 17:00 pm | Decoloniality and Transformation
Coordinator: Dr Kendi Guantai Keynote: Prof PLO Lumumba, Lawyer and human rights activist, Kenya |
Friday 24 May
Conference Day 3 (Hybrid) | Esther Simpson 1.01 | 09:00 - 15:20
Theme: What’s Next for Education in Africa?
| 09:00 am | Registration and welcome |
| 09:30 - 11:00 am | Policy for Progress
Chair: Dr Brendon Nicholls (University of Leeds) Dr Beate Knight (The Association of Commonwealth Universities) Prof Juliet Thondhlana (University of Nottingham) Dr Akosua Barthwell Evans (The Barthwell Group, Michigan, USA) |
| 20 Minute Break | |
| 11:20 am - 12:40 pm | Reframing Excellence
Chairs: Dr Abel Ugba and Dr Simon Manda (University of Leeds) Prof Kenneth Matengu (University of Namibia) Prof Isabella Aboderin (Perivoli Centre, University of Bristol) Prof Lawrence Ezemonye (Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria) |
| 12:40 - 14:00 pm Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:20 pm | Closing ceremony
Keynote: Prof Veronica Moraa Pickering DL, MBS HAC Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Reflections from Khadijah Ibrahiim, the Poet in Residence for Africa Week |
Saturday 25 May
Community Day | Precinct, LUU (Riley Smith Theatre) and Refectory | 10:00 - 16:00
Theme: Celebrating Africa
A day of celebration and exploration, including African dance, music, stalls and storytelling workshops.
Come along and experience the energy of the Zulu Stomp dance troupe, take part in African arts and crafts, and see five distinct traditional Ethiopian dance styles. There will also be food and drink and various traders.