Get Guardian on GoogleThe University of Lagos (UNILAG) has strengthened its commitment to advancing digital humanities in Nigeria and Africa with the inauguration of two new facilities at its Centre for Digital Humanities.
The facilities, comprising a remodelled Centre for Digital Humanities Learning Hub and workstation, as well as a graduate lecture room, were unveiled at the Faculty of Arts, UNILAG.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said technology has become part of human existence and can no longer be denied its importance not just to the sciences but also to the humanities.
Ogunsola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Prof. Matthew Ilori, said that as technology changes everything, the humanities would remain indispensable in shaping its ethical and societal applications.
The Director of the Centre, Prof. Tunde Ope-Davies, described the development as another milestone in the university’s efforts to expand the frontiers of digital humanities practice and research across the continent.
The facilities comprise a research hub, equipped with a laboratory for developing digital products and innovations, and a postgraduate lecture room designed to train future leaders with specialised knowledge and strong foundations in the humanities.
Ope-Davies said the postgraduate programmes would equip students with skills in the humanities and technology, enabling them to develop innovative products that address societal challenges and contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy.
He disclosed that his exposure to digital humanities during a research fellowship in Germany inspired him to introduce similar initiatives at UNILAG.
The professor also attributed the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) introduction of digital humanities into the revised curriculum for Nigerian universities to UNILAG’s pioneering efforts.
On artificial intelligence, Ope-Davies said the university was developing a policy to promote its ethical and responsible use.
He cautioned students against submitting AI-generated content as their own, stressing that the technology should support research rather than replace critical thinking.
He said postgraduate students would be required to produce digital products with potential for patenting and commercialisation, rather than limiting their academic achievements to written dissertations.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, described the projects as a commitment to educational excellence, innovation, research and continuous advancement of knowledge.
The Consul-General, German Consulate, Daniel Krull, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Consul-General, Herzlichen Gluckwunsch, described Ope-Davies as a visionary leader who has turned an idea into an institution.
