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By Nick Ward

As one of 11 Canadian universities to receive funding from the to work together to find solutions to the world’s increasingly complex challenges, �Ӱ�ԭ�� University is thrilled to announce its Scholars for 2022:

• Sophia Abiri-Franklin (Babcock University, School of Law and Security Studies, PhD final year candidate)
• Rashidat Sumbola Akande (Kwara State University, Department of Economics and Development Studies, Lecturer)
• Mawuenyega Makafui Butu (University of Ghana, Department of Economics, PhD candidate in Development Economics)
• Oluyemisi Idowu Majebi (University of Ibadan, Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, Lecturer II)
• Odile Raphaëlle Ngueda Djeuta (Lomé, Togo University, Department of Biology in the Faculty of Sciences, Early Career Researcher)
• Helena Osei-Egyir (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Department of History and Political Studies, PhD Candidate)
• Claude Winnie Pefolé Fotsing (University of Douala-Cameroon, Faculty of Law, Department of Private Law and Criminal Sciences, PhD Candidate)

The project is led by Nduka Otiono, a distinguished scholar in �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Institute of African Studies in collaboration with colleagues at �Ӱ�ԭ�� who constitute a Governing Committee, and various African partners including Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, assistant deputy vice-chancellor of Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone. �Ӱ�ԭ��’s Heloise Emdon serves as Manager International, while Stephanie Pineau has been the Project Coordinator.

External project partners include , , , and .

“We are delighted to have concluded the rigorous selection process for the QES Scholars West Africa project, and are looking forward to hosting the first cohort of seven scholars by our September start date,” said the Principal Investigator, Dr. Otiono.

“We also have some scholars selected for the second cohort,” stated Otiono. “We will be running our call again for the 2023 and 2024 cohort of scholars in the fall. We hope that scholars who missed the opportunity in this cycle will apply.”

It is worth noting that research from the British Council and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) shows low rates of completion of PhDs in sub-Saharan Africa and inequities in terms of gender, as well as limited alignment of engagement with industry, the private sector and societal needs. This project aims to combat these challenges by:

• Forming a governing committee to manage the selected outstanding early career and doctoral women candidates from West Africa to participate in the QES-AS-WA program.
• Adopting an innovative bottom-up approach with scholars reached through social and professional media networks and competitively selected before soliciting institutional engagement with their home universities.
• Hosting 11 short-term and six medium-term scholars over seven semesters from 2021 to 2024 to be determined in consultation with our placement partners.
• Facilitating the co-creation of research proposals between the selected scholars, �Ӱ�ԭ�� facilitators and placement partners to suit the parties’ respective goals.
• Innovatively deploying blended virtual coaching and in-person placement at West African partner offices and research sites starting as soon as fall 2021.

“Women’s triple roles of production, reproduction and community management increase the barriers women confront in building an academic career,” said Otiono.

Two hundred Canadian and West African researchers and advanced scholars will receive funding from the new QES Advanced Scholars West Africa program.

Each of the projects focuses on gender equality and puts particular emphasis on increasing partnerships between Canada and Francophone countries. All scholars will also participate in leadership development and community engagement activities and in the broader network of Queen Elizabeth Scholars.

The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), and Canadian universities. The QES-AS West Africa program is made possible with financial support from IDRC. The QES program was created in 2014 to improve global talent exchange between Canada and other nations. The program aims to develop the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders by providing enriched academic, professional and cross-cultural experiences and by facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.