UNILAG Faculty of Arts Launches Mentorship Forum to Empower Early Career Researchers
UNILAG Arts Faculty Launches Mentorship Forum to c with Inaugural Event
Faith Orji 
In a dynamic move to bolster the development of early career researchers and scholars, the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has inaugurated a mentoring forum, marked by an impactful debut event titled the Sub Dean’s Forum for Mentoring (Dialogue Series I). The inaugural session unfolded on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Julius Berger Hall, UNILAG, Akoka.
Championing an interactive platform for open discourse and networking, the event brought together lecturers and Ph.D. students from various university departments. Professor Ademola Adeleke, a distinguished figure in History and Strategic Studies, presided over the forum as Chairman and Moderator, joined by the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Henry Ogunjewo, and Dr. Solomon Azumurana as Anchors.
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The forum featured esteemed facilitators:
1. Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju - Expert in Marine History
2. Professor Abraham Osinubi - Renowned Anatomist and Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies
3. Professor Muyiwa Falaiye - Director, Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS)
4. Professor Akanbi Ilupeju - Dean of Arts
5. Professor Austin Nwagbara - Department of English
These facilitators, and authorities in their respective fields, shared their wealth of knowledge and experiences, focusing on key areas of academic research and career development.
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A significant portion of the discussions revolved around the intricacies of publishing in reputable journals. Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju guided participants through the standards and requirements of high-impact journals, offering practical tips to enhance the likelihood of acceptance. Drawing from personal experiences, he provided valuable insights on selecting appropriate journals, crafting compelling manuscripts, and navigating the peer-review process.
Professor Muyiwa Falaiye delved into Effective Grant Writing, offering hands-on guidelines and strategies for securing funding for research projects. Emphasizing the alignment of research goals with funding agencies' interests, he stressed the importance of clear and concise writing to make a compelling case for financial support.
Professor Austin Nwagbara's presentation explored ways of Exploring, Exploiting, and Expanding Opportunities in Research, emphasizing the pursuit of impactful research and strategies for building successful academic careers.
The session by Professor Akanbi Ilupeju, the Dean of Arts, centered on understanding the university system and navigating its complexities. He illuminated key components of the university system, guiding early career faculty on effective navigation of administrative processes, engagement with colleagues, and meaningful contributions to their respective fields.
Professor Ademola Adeleke, in his opening remarks, underscored the forum's significance as a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering a culture of mentorship and professional development. Sharing his experiences, he emphasized the university's aim to empower lecturers and Ph.D. students with the necessary skills and guidance for academic excellence.
This mentoring initiative, the Faculty of Arts Sub Dean’s Forum for Mentoring, stands as a pivotal component of ongoing initiatives to nurture and support early faculty members, contributing to the overall promotion of academic growth within the university.
