CEDHUL organizes Digital Humanities Conference For Non-Stem Disciplines

By Chinonso Ekechi

The Centre for Digital Humanities of the University of Lagos (CEDHUL) has organized a three-day workshop and conference aimed at providing digital training for scholars and researchers in non-STEM disciplines. The event, which started at the Centre on August 14th, ends on August 16th 2024.

The workshop, themed “Exploring Opportunities and Possibilities in Digital Humanities and Digital Cultures,” was convened by Professor Tunde Ope-Davies of the English Department, who is also the Director of CEDHUL. Professor Ope-Davies had said in a statement that the workshop was designed to equip the coming generation of humanities graduates with 21st-century digital skills essential for the competitive job market, by first empowering their teachers. “

The event brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the digital humanities and digital cultures to explore the principles and practices of digital humanities, as well as the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in the field,” Professor Ope-Davies disclosed.

He noted that the workshop featured keynote addresses by renowned experts, panel discussions, presentations, hands-on training sessions, and workshops. “We are excited to host this event in Lagos at this auspicious moment as the National Universities Commission (NUC) has introduced Digital Humanities as a compulsory course nationwide,” he added.

The conference covered a range of topics, including digital pedagogy and scholarship, digital cultures and social media, digital art and aesthetics, and digital humanities and social justice. Professor Ope-Davies expressed enthusiasm for the event’s impact, saying, “We look forward to empowering scholars and researchers as we explore the possibilities and opportunities in digital humanities and digital cultures.”

Ope-Davies also noted that the program would provide a platform for training and capacity building for scholars and researchers in non-STEM disciplines. He emphasized the importance of promoting the learning and deployment of digital tools for research and development, particularly for graduates and potential employees in ICT and creative industries.“

The training equips researchers and teachers in higher educational institutions with the ICT skills necessary to impart technology-driven knowledge in the humanities, among other benefits,” he stated, highlighting the broader implications of the workshop for Nigeria’s digital economy.

The workshop offered both in-person and virtual participation options, with registration available online. Professor Ope-Davies urged interested individuals to join the conversation and take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their digital humanities expertise.