In furtherance of its commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and strategic global partnerships, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, accompanied by the Director of the Centre for Research, Industrial Linkage and International Cooperation (CRIIC), Dr. Yusuf Suleiman, represented the university at the 2026 Conference of the Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) held from 9th to 12th June, 2026, at Glendon Campus, York University, Toronto, Canada.
The international conference, themed “Global Africa: Legacies, Change, and Aspirations,” attracted scholars, researchers, policymakers, and development partners from universities and research institutions across Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The event provided a unique platform for intellectual engagement, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of collaborative research initiatives that address contemporary global challenges affecting Africa and the international community. As part of efforts to showcase the growing international profile of Al-Hikmah University, the university’s roll-up banner was prominently displayed throughout the conference venue, attracting the attention of conference participants from different parts of the world. The display served as a strategic avenue for promoting the university’s academic programmes, research strengths, international collaborations, and commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.
A major highlight of the conference was the successful admission of both the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, and the Director of CRIIC, Dr. Yusuf Suleiman, as full members of the Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS). Their membership is expected to provide Al-Hikmah University with increased access to international research networks, collaborative grants, academic conferences, and scholarly exchanges within the global African studies community. During the conference, Professor Oladimeji held a series of high-level strategic meetings aimed at expanding the university’s international partnerships. One of the notable engagements was with officials of Glendon Campus, York University, led by Dr. Marco Fiola. Discussions focused on establishing institutional collaboration in key areas, including joint research projects, co-hosting international conferences, academic publications, staff and student exchange programmes, and other initiatives designed to strengthen academic cooperation between the two institutions.
The Vice Chancellor also held fruitful discussions with Dr. Michael Akinpelu, President of the Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS), exploring collaborative opportunities in research, joint conferences, academic exchanges, and increased participation of Al-Hikmah University in CAAS programmes. The discussions centred on research collaboration, participation in CAAS academic programmes, organization of joint conferences, staff exchange initiatives, and opportunities for increased international visibility of the University. The CAAS President expressed delight at the University’s growing international engagement and assured the Vice Chancellor of the Association’s commitment to integrating Al-Hikmah University into its various academic and professional activities. As a mark of goodwill and institutional appreciation, Professor Oladimeji presented special souvenirs highlighting the history and vision of the Founder of Al-Hikmah University to the President of CAAS. The symbolic presentation reflected the University’s rich heritage, commitment to quality education, and desire to build enduring international partnerships.
In addition to these engagements, the Vice Chancellor met with representatives of several universities from Australia, Spain, the United States of America, and Nigeria. The discussions explored opportunities for institutional partnerships in collaborative research, academic mobility, staff development, curriculum enhancement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development initiatives. These interactions are expected to pave the way for future Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and mutually beneficial academic collaborations.
Another significant engagement during the visit was the meeting between the Vice Chancellor and an illustrious alumnus of Al-Hikmah University, Mr. Abdulkadir Eniola Afariougun, a 2019 graduate of Computer Science and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Core Bridge Tech, a division of Enisco Venture Ltd. The meeting focused on strengthening industry-academia collaboration through the introduction of the Technology Career Accelerator Program (TCAP) at Al-Hikmah University. TCAP is a structured, industry-driven professional development initiative specifically designed to bridge the gap between university education and the rapidly evolving information technology industry.
Under the proposed arrangement, students of the University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology will receive specialized training in emerging technological fields including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, IT auditing and governance, software engineering, programming, workplace readiness, entrepreneurship, and globally recognized professional certifications. The programme is expected to enhance graduate employability, promote innovation, develop entrepreneurial competencies, and prepare students for successful careers in the global digital economy.The Vice Chancellor commended Mr. Afariougun for his remarkable professional achievements and unwavering commitment to giving back to his alma mater. He assured him that the University would expedite the implementation of the Technology Career Accelerator Program immediately after the proposed Memorandum of Understanding is finalized and formally signed by both parties.
Following the successful conclusion of the Canadian conference, the Director of the Centre for Research, Industrial Linkage and International Cooperation, Dr. Yusuf Suleiman, proceeded to the United States of America from 12th to 15th June, 2026 as part of the University’s strategic internationalization agenda. During his visit to Buffalo, New York, Dr. Suleiman participated in another international academic conference and held separate discussions with representatives of leading universities on prospective institutional collaborations. The engagements focused primarily on collaborative research, joint organization of international conferences, staff and student exchange programmes, research capacity building, academic networking, and international funding opportunities.
The discussions further reinforced Al-Hikmah University’s commitment to expanding its global academic footprint through mutually beneficial partnerships with reputable institutions across the world. The proposed collaborations are expected to create additional opportunities for researchers, staff, and students to participate in international research projects, exchange programmes, academic mobility initiatives, and global knowledge-sharing platforms.