Diaspora scholars and local academics on Monday strengthened collaboration to deepen technology-driven research in the humanities, as Nigeria pushes to close the digital gap in scholarship.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Graduate Research Clinic in partnership with the University of Lagos Centre for Digital Humanities and the University of Kansas during an inaugural Digital Humanities workshop held on March 2, 2026.
The event connected researchers across Africa, Europe and North America.
The workshop, chaired by a Professor of African Languages, Francis Egbokhare, highlighted the growing influence of diaspora partnerships in expanding research opportunities for Nigerian scholars.
A representative of the African Digital Humanities programme at the University of Kansas, James Yeku, introduced participants to computational text analysis and digital mapping.
He advocated what he described as “minimal computing,” urging scholars in low-resource environments to adopt practical digital methods.
Also speaking, a doctoral researcher, Abisola Akinsiku, demonstrated how social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok could be used for academic engagement through her initiative tagged “Creative Climb.”
Founder of the University of Lagos Centre for Digital Humanities, Tunde Ope-Davies, said digital tools must be adapted to reflect African realities.
He challenged scholars to ensure technology amplifies indigenous narratives rather than replacing them.
Participants also examined digital archiving and the development of inclusive resources for deaf adolescents.
The Graduate Research Clinic unveiled plans for a six-month fellowship and grant-writing programmes aimed at positioning Nigerian researchers to compete globally in the evolving digital humanities space.
