Carleton University Institute of African Studies bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth scholars (QES) West Africa program
by Prof Nduka Otiono, Director Institute of African Studies
Monday 22 July 2024
On July 19th, we hosted a heartfelt farewell event for the QES-AS-WA scholars, marking the culmination of their enriching journey with us. The event celebrated the scholars’ remarkable achievements and contributions to the program, highlighting their dedication and hard work. It was a day filled with gratitude and appreciation, as we reminisced about their impactful research and the collaborative projects that have fostered cross-cultural knowledge and innovation. The scholars, adorned in professional and cultural attire, participated in a photoshoot to commemorate their time at Carleton University. This farewell not only recognized their academic and professional growth but also reinforced the lasting bonds and networks they have formed during their stay. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and look forward to witnessing the positive impacts they will continue to make globally.
Carleton University had welcomed the nine outstanding scholars who joined the program in early spring 2024:
- Adwoa-Owusuaa-Bobie: Early Career Researcher, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana
- Celina Onyawoibi Aju-Ameh: Early Career Researcher, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue, Nigeria
- Chimaobim Ijeoma Enendu: PhD candidate, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria
- Eugenia Ama Breba Anderson: Early Career Researcher, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana
- Gloria Boko Epse Agbo: PhD candidate, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Jane Chinyere Ezirigwe: Early Career Researcher, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Nigeria
- Loukaïya Zorobouragui: PhD candidate, Université de Parakou, Benin
- Ruth Aba Tobi Sawyerr: PhD candidate, University of Ghana, Legon
- Zainab Musa Shallangwa: PhD in Cultural Studies, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Carlerton’s QES-AS-WA program, Wurin ta na yin rubutu – Her own room to write, is designed to provide an opportunity to gain experience through travel to Carleton University and/or across West Africa to one of our research placement partners. The scholarship provides for research supervision, focused seminars, experiential learning through aligning the research proposal with research placement opportunities (see Placement Partners), leadership, and network building. There were six scholars in the first cohort of scholars who were in residence in the summer of 2023.
Carleton University is one of 11 Canadian universities that receive funding from the new Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) Advanced Scholars West Africa program to work together to find solutions to the world’s increasingly complex challenges. The project is led by Nduka Otiono, a distinguished scholar and Director of Carleton’s Institute of African Studies in collaboration with colleagues at Carleton, various African partners including and Professor Aisha Ibrahim, assistant deputy vice-chancellor of Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone. Others include Heloise Emdon, Manager, International Projects, and Farhana Moshira, the International Project Coordinator.
The external project partners include IMPACT-Partnership Africa, CODE, Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Saint Paul University and Africa Trade Desk.
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), and Canadian universities. The QES-AS West Africa program is made possible with financial support from IDRC. The QES program was created in 2014 to improve global talent exchange between Canada and other nations. The program aims to develop the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders by providing enriched academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences and by facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.
