Center for Economic Policy and Development Research

Workshop and Networking Meeting for African Postgraduate and Young Researchers in Economics and Social Sciences

Introduction 

The quality of the development of research in Nigeria and Africa does not only depend on infrastructure but also on the capacity of researchers to undertake relevant and timely research that is multidisciplinary, interconnected and often robust with wider coverage. However, adequate capacity to undertake such research endeavour is often not available to prepare young African scholars for the complexities that an interconnected and interdisciplinary approach to research entails. Meanwhile, there is an emerging global paradigm shift that recognises that the focus on individual research effort is often inadequate in addressing complex challenges, which require skills across many sectors and collaborative processes. This is evident in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, where collaborative research effort is critical to navigate through the crises posed by the pandemic. 

Overview and Objectives of the Workshop 

The workshop is organised within the broad framework of Research Linkage Programme supported by the Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Foundation [REF: 3.4-1147508-NGA-IP] as well as the collaboration between Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria and Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany on the topic ‘Access to Land and Agricultural Value Chains: Female and Youth Engagement Discourse in Nigeria’. It focuses on developing collective research skills that will help African Postgraduate Students and Young Researchers in Economics and Social Sciences contribute to the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and African Union’s Agenda 2063 through research endeavours. 

Through this workshop, postgraduate students and postdoctoral faculty will acquire advanced skills and tools to write and edit social science or business articles, and thus help them in translating research outcomes into language that can inform corporate and policy development. The training will address relevant issues that are associated with developing and publishing research findings towards making viable scientific contributions to the global knowledge economy. In addition, it will highlight the importance of establishing a personal research track record because publishing in rated journals opens up the opportunities for career advancement and knowledge sharing. Therefore, participants will be required to provide in advance an abstract, working manuscript or draft paper for use during the hands-on training. 

Workshop Structure and Modalities 

The interactive workshop will provide hands-on training for about 20 participants comprising postgraduate students, postdoctoral and young researchers from higher institutions and research/policy-based institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is designed for physical training at Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. Participants are expected to provide in advance their research idea, indicating the problem, objectives and proposed methodology. Modalities are also in place to make it hybrid to include virtual participation. 

Application Process 

Interested applicants should display sufficient capacity for undertaking research and a competitive vision for involvement in research endeavours. Therefore, the requirements for evaluation include:

  1. A minimum of a Master’s Degree or equivalent qualification in Agricultural Economics, Economics, and Social Sciences related programmes;
  2. A two-page abridged CV;
  3. A short letter of motivation;
  4. A list of scientific outputs (e.g., journal article, book chapter or working paper);
  5. A concept note of a maximum of five pages on a research topic that the applicant wants to work on (which would be developed into publishable article after the workshop).
  6. One reference letter from an Academic Advisor or Supervisor or Head of Department who can attest to the competence and availability of the applicant.

Fill the application form here: https://bit.ly/AvHLinkageApplication   and click o this link download the pdf version of the call Call for AvH Linkage workshop

Submission will be evaluated based on scientific merit, feasibility, qualification and potential of the applicant. 

Key dates 

Application Deadline: 29th August 2021 

Notification: 10th September 2021 

Workshop Days: 28th and 29th October 2021 

Scholarship and Funding 

There is NO Registration Fee for the workshop. Also, there is moderate funding to cover accommodation and feeding during the workshop. Certificate of Participation would also be provided at the end of the workshop. However, applicants are to cover their travel costs.

Information on Programme Coordinators 

Evans Osabuohien: is a Professor of Economics and Head, Department of Economics & Development Studies, Covenant University, Nigeria, where pioneered the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) and Regional Centre of Expertise, Ogun State (RCE Ogun). He has published three books and over 145 scholarly articles, and in 2020, he was recognised as ‘One of the 6 Youngest Professors in Nigeria’. He is a fellow of Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. 

Email: evans.osabuohien@covenantuniversity.edu.ng 

Magdalene Silberberger: is Assistant Professor of Development Economics at Department of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany. She is also in the Board of Directors of the Institute of Social and Institutional Change (ISIC). Her research areas include trade, agriculture, political economy, and institutions with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Email: Magdalene.Silberberger@uni-wh.de 

Enquiries: 

cepder@covenantuniversity.edu.ng Or call Dr Oluwasogo Adedidran +2348067427261 

Fill the application form here: https://bit.ly/AvHLinkageApplication   and click o this link download the pdf version of the call Call for AvH Linkage workshop

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