Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab Summer School 2025 Kicks Off at UNILAG
The 2025 edition of the Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab Annual Summer School officially began on Monday, May 26, with a vibrant opening ceremony held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The opening ceremony was attended by an esteemed delegation, including the German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner; the Resident Representative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Lagos, Mr. Gerald Heusing; senior academics from UNILAG; and postgraduate students from several partner institutions: the Technical University of Berlin (Germany), University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University (Zaria), University of Ibadan, and UNILAG.
Championing Inclusive Urban Futures
Anchored on the theme “Inclusive Urban Futures,” this year’s summer school emphasizes the critical need for equitable access to urban resources and opportunities—ensuring that one’s economic background does not limit their capacity to thrive within the city.
Dr. Esther Thontteh of the Department of Estate Management, UNILAG, highlighted the program’s focus on bridging participatory gaps in urban spaces, with the goal of fostering a more just and sustainable urban future.
Celebrating Collaboration and Progress
In her welcome address, Professor Taibat Lawanson—Principal Investigator of the Urban Lab project and renowned for her leadership within the Lab—expressed gratitude to the German government and DAAD for their unwavering support. She outlined the Lab’s notable achievements since UNILAG joined the trilateral collaboration in 2019, including:
- The introduction of two interdisciplinary academic programmes at UNILAG: the Master’s in Urban Management and the Ph.D. in Sustainable Urbanization, developed in partnership with the Technical University of Berlin and University of the Witwatersrand.
- The successful sponsorship and training of 20 doctoral candidates from institutions across Nigeria, strengthening the country’s academic capacity in urban development research.
Other notable speakers at the event included:
- Professor Timothy Nubi, Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), UNILAG
- Professor Wale Okunuga, Director of the Research Management Office (RMO), UNILAG
- Mr. Gerald Heusing, DAAD Representative in Nigeria
- Professor Philip Misselwitz, Technical University of Berlin, who presented a retrospective on the Lab’s ten-year journey
- Professor Fana Sihlongonyane, University of the Witwatersrand, who delivered a keynote on Urban Management and Inclusive Urban Futures
- Dr. Victor Onifade, Deputy Director of the Office of International Relations, Partnerships & Prospects (IRPP), who provided an overview of the summer school’s structure and activities.
Reflections on a Decade of Impact
Professor Philip Misselwitz of the Technical University of Berlin offered a reflective overview of the Lab’s decade-long journey, spotlighting its evolution and impact on urban research and education. Similarly, Professor Fana Sihlongonyane from the University of the Witwatersrand delivered a thematic presentation on Urban Management and Inclusive Urban Futures.
Dr. Victor Onifade, Deputy Director at UNILAG’s Office of International Relations, Partnerships & Prospects (IRPP), also provided a breakdown of the summer school’s structure and its diverse learning modules.
The event concluded with a closing address by the German Consul General, Mr. Börner, followed by a commemorative photo session.
A Model of Trilateral Academic Collaboration
The Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab is a flagship trilateral initiative jointly led by the Technical University of Berlin, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of Lagos, with funding support from DAAD. The program is designed to foster joint research and academic exchange around sustainable urban development across Africa.
Held annually, the summer school offers a platform for students and scholars to collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas. This year’s edition, scheduled to run through Saturday, May 31, includes activities such as a guided study tour of Lagos, plenary sessions, Ph.D. writing workshops, and a summer school track specifically curated for Master’s students.
Photographs credit: Bola Oguntade, Islamiat Akanni & Bolaji Jimoh
