The Lagos Studies Association (LSA) has urged scholars and students to embrace practical, field-based research methods to deepen understanding of social realities and enhance knowledge production.
The association made the call during its 10th annual conference hosted by Trinity University, Yaba, with the theme: “The State of African Studies in the 21st Century.”
Speaking at the conference, Prof. Laurent Fourchard of Sciences Po University, France, emphasised the importance of ethnographic and visual research methods, noting that they provide richer insights beyond numerical data.
“Ethnographic and visual research methods allow scholars to move beyond statistics and engage lived experiences,” Fourchard said.
He added that such approaches enable researchers to better understand institutions, communities, and complex social realities.
Fourchard also highlighted the conference’s significant growth, noting that it expanded from nine panels in 2016 to over 340 panels in 2026, reflecting increased global interest and collaboration in African studies.
However, he raised concerns about rising cases of plagiarism, warning that the growing use of artificial intelligence tools and online resources poses new ethical challenges to academic integrity.
LSA Co-founder, Prof. Saheed Aderinto, said the association was committed to removing barriers in knowledge production and strengthening intellectual exchange between African scholars and the global academic community.
“We are building knowledge systems that place Africa at the centre of intellectual production,” Aderinto said.
He added that LSA was expanding access to funding, doctoral training, and international collaborations to boost the visibility and competitiveness of African scholars.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, commended LSA for fostering academic engagement and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Kolawole said the conference underscored Africa’s growing presence in global academic discourse.
“The conference brings scholars together to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration,” he said.
He stressed the importance of mentoring emerging academics, particularly in research development and grant writing, while urging Africans to take ownership of their narratives.
“If Africans do not tell their stories, no one will,” he said, calling for stronger intellectual sovereignty.
Kolawole also highlighted the role of the humanities in driving societal progress and cooperation.
A panelist from Ekiti State University, Prof. Graceful Ofodu, praised Trinity University for hosting the event, noting that it provided opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing, and global interaction.
“The conference provided opportunities to learn, relearn, unlearn and advance knowledge,” she said.
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According to her, applying the insights gained from such engagements could improve economic prospects and strengthen Africa’s global positioning.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long conference, which began on June 15, attracted over 2,000 participants from Nigeria and across the world and is expected to end on June 23.
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