Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab 2025 Summer School Closes with Renewed Commitment to Inclusive Urban Futures

The 2025 edition of the Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab Annual Summer School, held at the University of Lagos, officially drew to a close on Friday, May 30, 2025, marking the end of a vibrant and intellectually rich week of learning, exchange, and collaboration. The week-long summer school brought together postgraduate students, academics, and urban practitioners from across Africa and beyond to explore the theme Inclusive Urban Futures.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in immersive activities including plenary sessions, doctoral writing workshops, and site visits to local communities. Students expressed deep satisfaction with the program, noting that the opportunity to learn directly from senior researchers and interact with communities on the ground provided valuable insights into the realities of urban inequality, participation, and resilience. Many remarked on the depth of learning gained through interdisciplinary dialogue and practical exposure.

The closing session featured heartfelt reflections and forward-looking remarks from members of the project team, partner institutions, and facilitators. Speaking at the ceremony, Principal Investigator and host, Prof. Taibat Lawanson, expressed deep appreciation to all participants, coordinators, and supporters who made the summer school a success. She acknowledged the dedication of longstanding contributors like Mrs. Adeniyi and Mr. Luwaji, whose behind-the-scenes efforts over the past five years were instrumental in sustaining the program. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining the alumni network as a vehicle for ongoing engagement beyond the formal end of the project.

Co-Principal Investigators Prof. Philipp Misselwitz and Prof. Fana Sihlongonyane also shared powerful reflections. Prof. Misselwitz emphasised the unique interdisciplinary character of the Urban Lab, calling it a “fuzzy space” that brings together diverse voices—from technical experts and policymakers to urban activists—to tackle the complexities of urban management. He urged participants to value both empathy and technical expertise in the pursuit of inclusive urban development.

Prof. Sihlongonyane echoed the sentiments, celebrating the journey of mutual learning and cross-cultural exchange that the project has facilitated. His closing note included warm thanks to the facilitators, students, and academic partners whose collective efforts made the week an enriching experience. He also reminded participants that the project’s strength lies not just in funding, but in its vision for shaping better African futures.

Adding their voices to the closing reflections, Laura Henneke, Project Coordinator at TU Berlin, and Dr. Nadine Appelhans, Scientific Coordinator at TU Berlin, expressed their appreciation for the milestones the Urban Lab has achieved so far. They commended the collaborative spirit that has defined the program and shared their delight at witnessing the transformative impact it continues to have on students, faculty, and communities alike.

Special recognition was also given to Prof. Timothy Nubi, Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, for his unwavering support and guidance in institutionalising the Urban Lab program at UNILAG. His leadership continues to be a pillar in advancing the Lab’s mission of urban transformation through research and capacity development.

The success of this year’s summer school was also made possible through the dedicated contributions of faculty and facilitators, including Dr. Victor Onifade, Dr. Esther Thontteh, Dr. Basirat Oyalowo, Dr. Emmanuel Tolulope Busayo, Dr. George, Dr. Haruna Jimoh, and Dr. Samson Olanrewaju, whose academic guidance and mentorship enriched the learning experience for all participants.

The session ended with final remarks from Prof. Lawanson, who officially declared the summer school closed. Her call to action resonated strongly: “The subject of inclusive urban futures and the subject of better African futures is the mandate that we leave you with.”

As the curtains fall on this year’s summer school, the spirit of collaboration, critical inquiry, and continental solidarity continues. The Urban Lab remains committed to fostering a new generation of urban scholars and practitioners who are passionate about shaping inclusive and sustainable cities across Africa.