Professor Senayon Olaoluwa, who has served as the founding head of Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, has been appointed as the pioneer Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence for Diaspora Studies. This appointment, effective from March 1, 2024, represents a milestone in the academic landscape, particularly in the field of Diaspora Studies.
The University of Ibadan has allocated a considerable TETFund take-off grant amounting to N250,000,000.00 to facilitate research endeavors at the newly established Centre. Among its primary objectives is the creation of a robust database focusing on the Nigerian Diaspora, aiming to deepen understanding and engagement with this vital demographic group. This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to scholarly excellence and its recognition of the strategic importance of Diaspora Studies in contemporary academia.
Furthermore, the collaboration between the Diaspora and Transnational Studies programme, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has been instrumental in securing this support from TETFund. This partnership underscores the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing pertinent societal issues, and advancing knowledge creation.
In addition to the financial support, the TETFund has provided substantial building infrastructure valued at N1,000,000,000.00 to bolster the operations of the Centre. This investment reaffirms the commitment of stakeholders to the success and sustainability of Diaspora Studies initiatives, reflecting a broader recognition of its potential to contribute to national development agenda.
Professor Olaoluwa, in expressing his gratitude for the appointment and the institutional support extended to the Centre, emphasised the pivotal role of Diaspora Studies in fostering deeper connections with the Nigerian Diaspora community. He underscored the importance of this academic endeavor in addressing contemporary challenges and harnessing the immense potential of the Diaspora for national development.
