Kaduna State University (KASU) hosted its 3rd International Research Culture Conference from Wednesday, 4th to Friday, 6th September 2025. The event brought together a diverse group of academics, researchers, policymakers, and development partners under the theme “Fostering a Vibrant Research Culture Amidst Funding Challenges.” It served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on enhancing research ecosystems in resource-constrained settings.
The conference was officially declared open by the chairman of the occasion, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategy, Innovation, and Service Delivery (SI&SD), Prof. Helen Afang Andow, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi I. Musa. In her address, Professor Andow welcomed participants from various institutions and disciplines, commending the organizing committee, sponsors, collaborators, and the local host team for their dedication to the event’s success. She gave special recognition to the conference convener, Prof. Hawa’u Evelyn Yusuf, praising her leadership and commitment to fostering research culture at KASU.
Prof. Andow emphasized that the goal of the conference extended beyond the presentation of research findings. She encouraged participants to explore opportunities for collaboration, joint grant proposals, and interdisciplinary projects aimed at expanding the frontiers of knowledge. Quoting Zora Neale Hurston, “Research is a formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose,” and Carly Fiorina, “The goal is to transform data into information and information into insight,” she officially opened the conference.
Several goodwill messages were shared by distinguished guests. A’isha Lami Lawal of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, expressed optimism that the conference would improve knowledge exchange within her agency. Mrs. Chigozirim Odinkalu of the CLEEN Foundation, Abuja, emphasized the importance of institutional support for research-based solutions. Dr. Ja’afar Abdulkadir, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at KASU, welcomed participants and highlighted the value of interdisciplinary engagement.
The lead paper was delivered by Dr. Ibrahim Labaran Ali, a lecturer at the University of Warwick, UK, and visiting scholar in Procurement and Supply Chain Management at KASU. His presentation, titled “Positioning Higher Education for the Development of AI Sovereignty for Nigeria: Critical Stakeholders’ Perspectives,” explored the critical relationship between artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, and higher education in Nigeria. Dr. Ali opined that current curricula are too theoretical and require urgent reform to incorporate digital and practical skills. He also called for increased participation from policymakers, civil servants, and educators in advancing AI development, stressing the importance of sustainable digital infrastructure and investment in broadband access and digital literacy.
The second major presentation was delivered by Professor Hawa’u E. Yusuf, Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Research Culture. Her paper, “Conducting an Effective Review of Related Literature in Research,” resonated particularly with early-career researchers, sparking an active discussion and Q&A session. The conference also included a cultural interlude by S. Kabir, adding a cultural dimension to the scholarly atmosphere.
A special moment during the conference was the celebration of Prof. Hawa’u Evelyn Yusuf’s birthday. Her immediate elder sister presented a birthday cake, which was unveiled by Prof. Helen Andow. A touching tribute was given by her husband, Prince Adefarakan Adebayo Yusuf, who reflected on the transformative power of research and expressed appreciation to the organizers for recognizing his wife’s contributions.
The conference concluded with remarks from Dr. Khali Allahmagani, who expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and attendees. She reaffirmed KASU’s commitment to promoting a sustainable and inclusive research culture, despite the ongoing challenges related to funding and infrastructure.
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