We operate an Institute of Advanced Studies (the Institute) within the Obafemi Awolowo University. The Institute’s mission is to advance postdoctoral research focused on issues of national identity, culture, and society.
The Institute achieved the following:
Improved the quality of faculty, academia within Nigeria;
Fostered cutting-edge, innovative research beyond standard university levels;
Encouraged the exchange of ideas among scholars and promoted deep knowledge in different disciplines;
Ultimately, accommodated postdoctoral research for international scholarly communities, possibly in cooperation with other African countries.
Currently, the Olupona Foundation for Education, Equality and Peace needs to seek funding to continue operating and expanding the Institute’s programs.
The Institute models other prestigious international centers – the Institute for Advanced Study in Berlin, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and other well-known institutes in Israel, Japan, and China.
When established the Institute is expected to always:
Foster the participation of senior and junior scholars in interdisciplinary research;
Actively engage non-university intellectuals, Nigerian and African thought-leaders and civil servants in matters related to Africa’s economic growth and policy development;
Host several research programs and themes.
The strategic outcomes of the project are:
- A well-renowned Institute of Advanced Studies that produce thoughtful research and serve as an example for other institutions in Nigeria and Africa.
- A dynamic and vibrant community of scholars supported by a network of non-university intellectuals, Nigerian and African society thought-leaders and civil servants;
- A recognized source of quality research that inspire and impact policy matters related to Africa’s economic growth and development.
Alumni Association
Summer Seminar
Postdoctoral Research
Fundraising
The Olupona Foundation will partner with the Obafemi Awolowo University; a comprehensive public institution established in 1962 and situated on a vast expanse of land in Ile-Ife, Osun State, southwest Nigeria.
In the 1970’s and the early 1980’s, the University attained a foremost position among universities in Africa, with a vibrant academic and social atmosphere and a high international reputation. Today, the University celebrates a rich tradition of excellence, with a Nobel Laureate and four National Merit Award winners among its staff.
The Institute’s Academic Advisory Board will select the Institute’s Fellows via a rigorous application process. Fellows will primarily be recent PhD graduates from Nigerian universities. A minority of young scholars from international communities will also have the opportunity to join the Institute. The Institute will give national and international research scholars a chance to focus on independent projects during the academic year. Additionally, the Academic Advisory Board will have the option to invite a specific scholar to conduct special projects. However, such invitations will constitute only a small percentage of admitted Fellows. All selections will be based on the quality of the candidate’s previous work.
You can volunteer in the following areas: Marketing strategy consulting to better promote Foundations activities; Business consulting to cultivate better business strategies; Fundraising strategy consulting to help raise more funds to support ongoing activities and programs; and Education support and interventions to help educate and develop local teachers and students.