Privileged To Suffer –  Debating Africa Studies (at SOAS)

An event organised by the Nigeria/Ghana/WestAfrica Society

17 March 2015, G3 and DLT at SOAS, 7pm-10pm

•Question: “If SOAS, the flagship of African studies in the UK, could be experiencing difficulties in promoting, retaining and maintaining a wide range of Africa-related subjects and expert scholars, then what hope is there for the future of the study of Africa in the UK; and ultimately the development of the Continent itself?

The aims of the event is to discuss the issues affecting the studies of Africa, not just in Soas but also in other UK base universities. With this event we will like to bring back Alumni student, create networking opportunity for none students, inspire prospective students and most importantly address the low number of students, staff, donations and scholarship coming in for African courses in UK.

The role of the invited panel is to speak on, challenge and perhaps answer questions such as, when compare to its counterparts in Asia and the Middle East, why has African studies lacked institutional investments, staff and students recruitment, more scholarship opportunities and more subjects on offer to diversify the curriculum.

Also how can the literature of a particular country/tribe/culture be taught in a foreign language other than that of it own and how can this literature be fully understood without the expertise of a versed educator? In addition, we would like to hear from SOAS Alumni on how they can contribute to enhancing the African Studies with contributions, donations and promotion.

Program Structure

•7pm – Arrival

•Reception/Meet & Greet 7:00 – 7:30pm

•7.30 – Introduction/Opening by Professor Stephen Chan

. 8:15 – Discussion/Talk/Debate/ Q+A

•10pm – Final performance / Networking

Confirmed appearances

Dr Friederike Lupke: to chair the event

Prof. Stephen Chan: to open the event and talk about the politics of Africa from his own experience as a lecturer and a political adviser.

Dr Alena Rettova: to talk about diversified subjects/curriculum and teaching the literature of Africa in foreign language.

Mr Nick Butler: to talk about staff and students recruitment.

Mr Dele Meiji Fatunla of Royal African Society: to talk about Alumni contribution to promoting the studies and culture of Africa as well as enhancing and sharing the perception of Africa as a continent and its inhabitants

Mrs Sarah Bimpong:  (from an ex-student and teaching fellow perspective) to talk on the falsified notion of African Studies sold to students and how it differ from expectation/reality. Also to question African (students) perspective on having a natural intrinsic knowledge of owns culture/tradition.

Performance led by: Diaspora Drummer Prince Seyi Olagunju & many more

1) Introduction/Opening by Professor Stephen Chan

2) Short Performance/Entertainment by

3) Talk/Speech/Presentation (From our selected panels)

4) Discussion/Interaction and Q+A

5) Performance/Entertainment

6) Networking reception

Hosted by Nigeria//Ghana/WestAfrican with Soas, Languages & Culture Dept, MSR, & The Alumni Relation Team. The event will feature performances, debate and West African food.

For participation and suggestions contact event organisers: 560579@soas.ac.uk