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Prof. Evans Osabuohien, Founding Chair of the DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC) and Pioneer Chair of the Covenant University Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR), recently led a series of high-level institutional engagements held on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th March 2026. The engagements underscore DIaDeRC’s strategic commitment to strengthening academic partnerships, enhancing research collaboration, and advancing development-oriented scholarship across Africa.
Enhancing Academic Standards through Institutional Engagement
On Tuesday, 17th March 2026, Prof Evans Osabuohien undertook a visit to James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos, in his capacity as External Examiner for the Masters in Development Economics and Policy Analysis (DEPA) programme. This engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure academic quality, curriculum relevance, and alignment with international standards in postgraduate education.
The visit facilitated high-level discussions with key members of the university’s leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor (Prof Olu Akinkugbe), the Dean of the Business School and former Acting Vice Chancellor (Prof Abiola Babajide), and the Registrar (Dr Uzoma Achugamonu), alongside the programme coordinator (Dr David Oke) who a participant at the 2nd Edition of Course on Applied Data Science (CADS 2.0). These interactions created a platform for critical reflection on programme structure and the evolving demands of development-focused education.
Central to the discussions was the need to sustain rigorous academic standards while equipping students with analytical and policy-relevant skills suited to emerging economies. The engagement also highlighted the importance of institutional linkages in strengthening postgraduate training and enhancing the broader impact of academic programmes.
Building Collaborative Pathways for Research and Capacity Development
Beyond quality assurance, the visit provided an avenue for exploring future collaborations. Emphasis was placed on developing joint initiatives that respond to contemporary research and policy challenges. These conversations reaffirmed the role of strategic partnerships in advancing DIaDeRC’s mission of promoting evidence-based research and capacity building.
Such engagements reflect a broader recognition that complex development challenges require collaborative approaches that draw on diverse institutional strengths. By fostering networks across universities and research centres, DIaDeRC continues to contribute to a more integrated and responsive academic ecosystem.
Bridging Research and Policy Practice
A recurring theme across the week’s activities was the importance of connecting academic research with policy application. Through sustained interactions with academic institutions and scholars, DIaDeRC reinforces its role as a bridge between knowledge production and real-world policy engagement. These efforts contribute to building a dynamic research environment capable of addressing pressing development issues across the continent.
Sustaining Partnerships: Visit of Dr Adefunke Ekine and Dr Anselm Oluwaseun
On Wednesday, 18th March 2026, Prof Evans Osabuohien hosted Dr Adefunke Ekine, who was accompanied by her colleague, Dr Anselm Oluwaseun, from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). The visit reaffirmed a longstanding and productive collaboration grounded in shared academic values and institutional goals.
Reflecting on the engagement, Prof. Osabuohien highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in achieving meaningful research outcomes. He noted that Dr Ekine has remained a consistent contributor to the Centre’s development, offering intellectual support since its formative stage. A notable collaboration between the two institutions was the DIaDeRC-TASUED Workshop held in February 2024.
The collaboration between them dates back to the Development Impact West Africa (DIWA) workshop held in Ghana in 2023, a period that coincided with the early establishment of DIaDeRC. Her contributions during this phase were instrumental in shaping its trajectory and reinforcing its vision.
Deepening Collaboration through Joint Initiatives
The collaboration was further strengthened through her active role in the DIaDeRC-TASUED workshop held in February 2024, where she contributed to facilitating discussions and supporting coordination. Building on this foundation, the recent visit created space for exploring future initiatives, including joint research projects, training programmes, and mentorship opportunities.
These engagements reflect DIaDeRC’s strategic focus on fostering collaborative networks that enhance research capacity, support emerging scholars, and promote policy-relevant knowledge.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Impact through Strategic Engagement
The week’s activities highlight the importance of continuity in academic partnerships. Sustained collaboration requires intentional effort, shared vision, and mutual commitment. As DIaDeRC continues to expand its reach and impact, engagements such as this underscore the value of building strong, trust-based partnerships. The Centre remains open to further collaborations that advance its mission of knowledge production, capacity development, and policy engagement.
In Prof Evans Osabuohien’s view, the visit was not just a reflection on past collaborations but a forward-looking engagement that reinforces DIaDeRC’s commitment to shaping the future of research and development practice in Africa.
Ultimately, these interactions are not only reflective of past achievements but also indicative of future possibilities. By deepening partnerships and fostering collaborative networks, DIaDeRC is positioning itself as a key contributor to shaping research, policy, and development practice on the continent.
