UNILAG Strengthens Commitment to Digital Humanities and Scholarly Collaboration

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) continues to prioritize dynamic town and gown partnerships, fostering engagement and collaboration. During the opening of the 2024 Digital Humanities Workshop and Conference organized by the Centre for Digital Humanities (CEDHUL), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu reaffirmed UNILAG’s commitment.

The event, held on August 14, 2024, at the Faculty of Arts Boardroom, UNILAG, Akoka, marked a significant convergence of minds dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and expertise in humanities through innovative digital technology applications. Professor Chukwu emphasized the importance of exploring digital tools and methodologies to retool humanities and enhance researchers’ capacities.

UNILAG’s recent award of a contract for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Arts Theatre underscores its commitment to developing artistic talents and deepening the impact of humanities. Professor Chukwu challenged participants to view this convergence as an opportunity for new projects and collaborations, unlocking the full potential of digital technologies and culture for the benefit of UNILAG, Nigeria, and the global academic community.

Professor Tunde Ope-Davies, Director of CEDHUL and Convener of the conference, echoed the sentiment, recognizing the transformative power of digital tools and technologies. He praised UNILAG’s support and emphasized that these innovations have opened new horizons for intellectual exploration, innovation, and social re-engineering.

As the conference unfolds, UNILAG remains at the forefront of advancing digital humanities and scholarly endeavors, bridging academia and practical applications in the digital age.

 The 2024 Digital Humanities Workshop and Conference, hosted by the Centre for Digital Humanities (CEDHUL) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), kicked off with enthusiasm and a commitment to scholarly collaboration. Participants gathered at the Faculty of Arts Boardroom,ready to explore the intersection of technology and the humanities.

Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), reiterated UNILAG’s dedication to fostering town and gown partnerships. He emphasized the importance of digital tools and methodologies in retooling humanities research and building capacities for scholars.

The opening session featured a keynote address and lecture by Brian Rosenblum, Co-Director of the Institute for Digital Research in Humanities at the University of Kansas. Rosenblum shared insights into the imperativeness of digital humanities and the evolution of their institute. His perspectives resonated with the current realities of unprecedented access to information and the transformative power of digital technologies.

The theme of the workshop and conference, “Exploring Opportunities and Possibilities in Digital Humanities & Digital Cultures,” sets the stage for two days of intensive exploration.Participants will delve into innovative interdisciplinary research projects, leveraging digital tools to advance knowledge in fields such as history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, religion, law, economics, and political science.

CEDHUL, established to bridge the gap in digital humanities research and learning in Africa, stands as a beacon of progress. UNILAG’s commitment to excellence shines through as scholars and researchers come together to unlock the full potential of digital technologies for the benefit of Nigeria and the world.