Education

GAPOGS Tasks African Students On Impactful Research To Challenge Education

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Global Association of Postgraduate Students (GAPOGS) has called on all the postgraduate students of the African continent to bring to the fore, impactful research that will transcend borders to address global challenges.

While speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, in Abuja, the newly elected African President of GAPOGS, Amb. Peace Nwankaego Onuiri said that the association will leave no stone unturned to ensure the holistic growth and development of all postgraduate students.

She expressed that, GAPOGS aims to instill a broader perspective on education, emphasizing the role of postgraduate students in finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

According to her, GAPOHS stands as a beacon for postgraduate students globally, fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity, and advocating for the rights and interests of scholars.

“As I call upon postgraduate students in Africa, let’s come together and make an impactful research that transcends borders and transforms the landscape of postgraduate education worldwide.

“Our primary aim is to establish collaborations with academic institutions globally, steering partnerships that facilitate campus development, academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and mobility for postgraduate students, and together, we will build bridges connecting the gown to the town, creating a vibrant local community that transcends geographical boundaries.

“As we embark on this journey, GAPOGS will facilitate networking and collaboration among postgraduate students, encouraging interdisciplinary interactions and knowledge-sharing opportunities. We will organize seminars, webinars, and Conferences to promote academic discourse, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement across diverse fields.

“Professional development is key to our mission, GAPOGS will provide resources, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance research skills, academic writing presentation abilities, and overall competencies crucial for the professional growth of postgraduate scholars. A shining example is the upcoming Global Postgraduate School Games in June, showcasing our commitment to supporting the holistic development of postgraduate students.

“Cultural exchange and diversity appreciation are integral components of our agenda. GAPOGS will celebrate cultural diversity through events, forums, and Initiatives that foster cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and integration among postgraduate scholars from diverse backgrounds.

“Advocacy is a cornerstone of our mission, therefore we will serve as a vocal advocate for postgraduate students’ rights, ensuring their voices are heard at both national and international levels. GAPOGS will also provide access to resources, including databases, research grants, scholarships, and other opportunities to empower postgraduate students in their academic pursuits.

“In addressing the unique needs of Africa, we recognize the importance of result- oriented research, our focus on African tourism components aims to implement research outcomes that contribute to the development of the continent. GAPOGS is committed to addressing global challenges through impactful research, emphasizing the role of postgraduate students in implementing solutions, especially in the context of Africa.

“Lastly, on the welfare front, we are proud to illustrate our commitment through the forthcoming Postgraduate Global School Games. This event exemplifies our dedication to the overall well-being of postgraduate students, showcasing our support for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.”

While presenting the certificate of return to the African president, the Global President of GAPOGS, Amb Dr. Edward Olutoke stated that Africa needs to think outside the box for them to get the attention of the world.

“When we get to Universities all over Africa, you see piles of projects from BSc. to Ph.D. What do we do with these projects? And for people to write these projects, it involves a whole lot of energy, some go through tough times. Some of them even pay huge money for their projects to be done. That is why GAPOGS was formed to ensure we let them know that we don’t just go to school to acquire certificates, but we go to school to solve problems.”

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Education

Inclusive Education Boost as Deaf-Tech, Federal University of Lafia Roll Out Master’s in Disability Studies

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In a major step toward advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, Deaf-in-Tech, an initiative of Data-Lead Africa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to establish a Professional Master’s Degree in Disability Studies.

The signing ceremony, held at Deaf-in-Tech’s headquarters in Abuja, featured a goodwill message from Prof. Adaka Terfa Ahon, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who represented FULAFIA’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdul Rahman. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to championing disability and inclusion in its academic innovation and planning.

The new Master’s programme will adopt a hybrid learning model, with online classes complemented by in-person sessions at Deaf-in-Tech’s training facility in Abuja. It is designed to build expertise in disability-inclusive governance, education, and development across sectors.

Executive Director of Deaf-in-Tech and Co-Founder of Data-Lead Africa, Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, described the collaboration as a “structural shift” in how institutions and professionals engage with disability issues. “The inclusion journey must begin with knowledge, and we are proud to partner with a progressive university like FULAFIA,” he said.

Beyond the postgraduate programme, the partnership will also establish a Deaf-in-Tech Club on FULAFIA’s campus — the first of its kind — to empower Deaf students with technology skills, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. Additional initiatives include a ₦1 million academic excellence reward for any Deaf student who graduates with a First Class, as well as the development of a disability-accessible website and digital database for the Centre for Disability Studies, built to WCAG 2.1 global accessibility standards.

The alliance underscores both institutions’ commitment to building inclusive systems and celebrating excellence, while positioning Deaf-in-Tech as a catalyst for bridging the gap between disability and the digital economy.

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