Thinking Beyond Academia

Reflections from the 9th Annual Summer Institute at Ife

These past two weeks I have had the honor of speaking with a group of faculty members and early career researchers across Africa at the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies during their 9th Annual Summer Institute hosted by Jacob K. Olupona (Harvard University), Afe Adogame (Princeton University), and Tayo Owoeye (Glasgow Caledonian University). The theme for this year is “Thinking Beyond Academia”.

This morning I just wrapped up my talk on "The Supervisor Mindset". Last week we covered topics like "Building A Program of Research" and "Scholarly Formation in the Age of AI".

I am pleased to see the depth of curiosity, commitment, and creativity these emerging and established scholars are bringing to the future of African scholarship.

What excites me most is witnessing a new generation of African scholars and scientists who are not only producing knowledge but reshaping the very frameworks through which knowledge is pursued, taught, and applied - both locally and globally.

My heartfelt thanks to the organizers and faculty at the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies for creating such a generative space for reflection and connection.

The future is bright!