Digital tech market
Scholars task Nigeria on decolonising technology to drive African knowledge productionaaaqaa
The need to decolonise technology and harness its potential for African knowledge production was the resounding message at the inaugural workshop on digital humanities convened by the Graduate Research Clinic (GRC) recently.
The workshop, chaired by Professor of African Languages, Francis Egbokhare, brought together leading scholars from the University of Kansas, University of Lagos, and University of Ibadan to explore the intersection of technology and humanistic inquiry.
Egbokhare highlighted the need for Nigeria to tap into its rich cultural heritage to drive progress. He made a compelling case for strategically utilising local languages, cultural practices, and indigenous knowledge systems to shape the country’s digital future.
Similarly, Prof. Tunde Ope-Davies, founder of UNILAG’s Digital Humanities Centre, challenged academics to “territorialise” digital tools, insisting that technology must be decolonised to genuinely reflect African realities and perspectives.
“We must ensure that our digital tools are not mere imports, but are instead crafted to address our specific needs and contexts,” he said.
Dr James Yeku of the University of Kansas demonstrated computational text analysis and digital mapping, advocating a “minimal computing” approach suited to Nigeria’s resource limitations.
“We must adopt approaches that are feasible and sustainable in our context, rather than relying on expensive and imported technologies,” he explained.
Doctoral researcher Abisola Akinsiku showcased her innovative use of social media to drive accessible scholarship through her TikTok-based initiative, ‘Creative Climb.’ Her project highlighted the potential of digital platforms to expand learning beyond traditional spaces and reach wider audiences.
“Digital platforms offer immense potential for knowledge sharing and collaboration, and we must harness this potential to democratise education,” she said.
The scholars stressed the need for Nigerian scholars to be proactive in shaping the global digital future, rather than merely participating in it.
The Graduate Research Clinic unveiled an ambitious roadmap to position Nigeria at the forefront of the digital humanities movement. The plans include a six-month fellowship programme, bi-monthly workshops, and targeted grant-writing initiatives to secure local and international funding.
Executive Director Oluwatobiloba Adewunmi restated the organisation’s commitment to building capacity among graduate students and early-career researchers. Adewunmi explained that the GRC’s initiatives are part of the HOPE-EDU programme, which adopts a performance-based approach, tying funding to measurable results.
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