Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University Hosts University of Waterloo for Special Webinar on Black Emancipation

The Institute of Cultural Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University welcomed a distinguished scholar from the University of Waterloo, Canada, for a special edition of its Webinar Series on Monday, March 25, 2025.

RECOMMENDED: LCCI Receives Approval from LASU to Commence Entrepreneurship Postgraduate Studies

Dr. Naila Keleta Mae, an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, Canada, was the featured speaker, addressing the topic "Black and Free." The discussion was enriched by the participation of Dr. Francesca Fajinmi, founder of Your Black Matters in the United States of America, and chaired by Prof. Siyan Oyeweso from the Department of History at Osun State University, also serving as the Executive Director of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo.

The session delved into the imperative of freedom for people of black descent, both within diaspora communities and within their home countries. Participants emphasized that freedom is a collective concept transcending geographical boundaries, and the acknowledgment of black identity necessitates a conscious effort to celebrate and empower blackness. The discussion underscored the diverse expressions of freedom, both literal and metaphorical, within black communities worldwide.

SEE MORE: LASU Vice Chancellor Extends Eid El Fitri Wishes, Emphasizes Unity and Compassion

Moreover, the webinar laid the groundwork for a collaborative initiative between the Black and Free Initiative at the University of Waterloo, Your Black Matters in the United States, and the Institute of Cultural Studies in Nigeria. This collaboration aims to undertake research and advocacy efforts focused on the emancipation and empowerment of black communities across continents, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Prior to the webinar, representatives from the University of Waterloo engaged in discussions with the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo University to explore potential areas of collaboration and partnership between the institutions and their respective faculties. The visiting team from Canada included Dr. Heather Love, Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature; Dr. Naila Keleta-Mae, Dorothy Killam Fellow and Canada Research Chair, Associate Professor; Dr. Christopher Taylor, Associate Vice President for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism; and Professor Paul Ugor, Professor of English Language and Literature.

READ ALSO: Wesley University Ondo Dismisses Claims of 24-month Salary Arrears and Mismanagement

The event marked an important milestone in fostering international collaboration and dialogue on issues of racial emancipation and social justice, with significant implications for academic research and community engagement.