About the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies (OOCAS)
Introduction
The Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for African Studies (OOCAS) is a premier multidisciplinary hub dedicated to the advanced study of Africa—its past, present, and future. Named in honour of the former President of Nigeria, a pivotal figure in modern African history, the Centre is committed to generating cutting-edge knowledge and fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the continent’s complexities. We bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the humanities, social sciences, and beyond to engage in rigorous research, vibrant dialogue, and transformative teaching.
Our Mission
The mission of OOCAS is to serve as a catalyst for transformative research and discourse on Africa. We are dedicated to:
Producing Knowledge
Advancing multidisciplinary research that addresses Africa’s most pressing social, political, economic, and cultural challenges.
Fostering Dialogue
Creating a vibrant intellectual space for critical debate and collaboration among scholars, students, and leaders from Africa and the global community.
Developing Leaders
Educating and mentoring the next generation of Africanists and African leaders through innovative academic programs and public engagement.
Our Values
To be the leading centre for African Studies globally, renowned for its scholarly excellence, its commitment to pan-African perspectives, and its active role in shaping a prosperous and equitable future for the African continent.
Our Comparative Advantage
The mission of OOCAS is to serve as a catalyst for transformative research and discourse on Africa. We are dedicated to:
Feature
OOCAS
Institute of African Studies, UI (Ibadan)
Centre of African Studies, Oxford
African Studies Centre, Leiden
Foundational Perspective
Pan-African & Policy-Oriented:
Informed by the legacy of its namesake, focusing on practical solutions, governance, and continental development.
Deeply Local & Theoretical:
Strong focus on Nigerian and West African contexts, with deep roots in anthropological, historical, and linguistic scholarship.
Global & Historical:
World-leading library resources and scholarship, often focusing on Africa from historical and international relations perspectives.
European & Interdisciplinary:
Strong in social sciences and modern development studies, with a long history of European engagement with Africa.
Core Methodology
Inherently Multidisciplinary:
Research projects are designed from the ground up to integrate perspectives from political science, economics, sociology, technology, and the arts.
Disciplinary Depth:
Offers deep expertise within traditional disciplines (history, languages, arts) which are then applied to African contexts.
Disciplinary Rigor:
Excellence is often achieved through deep specialization within a discipline (e.g., History, Politics) applied to Africa.
Area Studies Focus:
Strong interdisciplinary tradition, but often within the framework of European area studies models.
Strategic Position
Named for a Key Architect of Modern Africa:
Provides a unique platform for engaging with issues of governance, development, and diplomacy from a position of lived experience and legacy.
Anchor of Nigerian Academia:
A cornerstone of the Nigerian university system, producing foundational knowledge for the nation.
Global Prestige & Resources:
Benefits from the immense resources and global reputation of the University of Oxford.
European Hub:
A central node for African studies research in continental Europe, with strong EU policy links.
Key Outcome
Policy-Relevant Analysis & Leaders:
Produces research and graduates equipped to engage directly with continental bodies, governments, and NGOs on strategic African issues.
Academics & Cultural Experts:
Produces leading scholars and custodians of cultural knowledge, particularly for Nigeria and West Africa.
Academic Specialists:
Produces world-class academics and PhDs who are leading authorities in their specific field of African studies.
Development Practitioners & Researchers:
Strong output of professionals geared towards development policy and academic research in Europe.
| Feature | Obasanjo Centre for African Studies (OOCAS) | Institute of African Studies, UI (Ibadan) | Centre of African Studies, Oxford | African Studies Centre, Leiden |
| Foundational Perspective | Pan-African & Policy-Oriented: Informed by the legacy of its namesake, focusing on practical solutions, governance, and continental development. |
Deeply Local & Theoretical: Strong focus on Nigerian and West African contexts, with deep roots in anthropological, historical, and linguistic scholarship. |
Global & Historical: World-leading library resources and scholarship, often focusing on Africa from historical and international relations perspectives. |
European & Interdisciplinary: Strong in social sciences and modern development studies, with a long history of European engagement with Africa. |
| Core Methodology | Inherently Multidisciplinary: Research projects are designed from the ground up to integrate perspectives from political science, economics, sociology, technology, and the arts. |
Disciplinary Depth: Offers deep expertise within traditional disciplines (history, languages, arts) which are then applied to African contexts. |
Disciplinary Rigor: Excellence is often achieved through deep specialization within a discipline (e.g., History, Politics) applied to Africa. |
Area Studies Focus: Strong interdisciplinary tradition, but often within the framework of European area studies models. |
| Strategic Position | Named for a Key Architect of Modern Africa: Provides a unique platform for engaging with issues of governance, development, and diplomacy from a position of lived experience and legacy. |
Anchor of Nigerian Academia: A cornerstone of the Nigerian university system, producing foundational knowledge for the nation. |
Global Prestige & Resources: Benefits from the immense resources and global reputation of the University of Oxford. |
European Hub: A central node for African studies research in continental Europe, with strong EU policy links. |
| Key Outcome | Policy-Relevant Analysis & Leaders: Produces research and graduates equipped to engage directly with continental bodies, governments, and NGOs on strategic African issues. |
Academics & Cultural Experts: Produces leading scholars and custodians of cultural knowledge, particularly for Nigeria and West Africa. |
Academic Specialists: Produces world-class academics and PhDs who are leading authorities in their specific field of African studies. |
Development Practitioners & Researchers: Strong output of professionals geared towards development policy and academic research in Europe. |
In Summary
OOCAS is not just about studying Africa; it is about actively engaging with its future. Our unique advantage lies in combining rigorous multidisciplinary research with a direct focus on policy, governance, and practical solutions, all under the banner of a name synonymous with modern African leadership.
Governance Model:
The Academic Board
The intellectual direction and academic integrity of OOCAS are guided by a distinguished Academic Board. This governance model ensures the Centre remains at the forefront of African Studies scholarship.
Role and Function:
The Academic Board is the principal academic authority for the Centre. Its responsibilities include:
Setting the strategic research agenda and thematic focus for OOCAS.
Upholding the highest standards of multidisciplinary research and teaching.
Evaluating and endorsing research outputs and publications from the Centre.
Providing mentorship and strategic guidance to OOCAS fellows and researchers.
Approving all academic programs, including postgraduate degrees, certificates, and fellowship schemes.
Composition:
The Board embodies the Centre’s multidisciplinary and pan-African ethos. It is composed of:
The Director of OOCAS:
Who serves to implement the Board’s strategic vision.
External Advisors:
Influential thinkers from the arts, technology, and private sector whose work impacts Africa.
Eminent Scholars:
Leading academics and researchers in various fields of African Studies from across the continent and the diaspora.
Policy Practitioners:
Experienced former diplomats, government officials, and leaders from organizations like the African Union who can bridge theory and practice.
Representatives from the Host University:
Senior faculty and administration from the university housing OOCAS, ensuring institutional alignment.
Note
This diverse governance structure guarantees that OOCAS’s work is not only academically rigorous but also relevant, responsive, and connected to the real-world dynamics shaping the African continent.