ASAP West Africa Chapter was established in Lagos, Nigeria to work towards eradicating poverty in West Africa in line with the vision of ASAP Global, with hopes of having a snowball effect in the entire region. Through the efforts of academics and interested stakeholders, the membership base for ASAP West Africa is expanding rapidly. The establishment of ASAP West Africa Chapter is timely considering how deep poverty has ravaged the region. Poverty and its attendant effects have been tolerated long enough – ASAP West Africa has developed a strong will to champion the expansion of a global network to help scholars, teachers and students contribute and actively participate in alleviating poverty globally.
Our objective is to use education to proffer solutions to the lingering social, economic and environmental depravations, and human rights violations in the region. In this regard, ASAP West Africa is committed to promoting collaboration amongst academics, researchers and stakeholders. A key component of our strategy is exploring academic research in identifying societal issues that negatively affect development and elevate poverty. Consequently, we will initiate specific projects targeted at eradicating the menace of poverty and related issues. ASAP West Africa is committed to partnering with individuals, institutions and organizations that share our vision of poverty eradication. Additionally, we will employ the use of regional advocacy through conferences and seminars, public lectures, academic mentorship and internships for students, enlightenment campaigns, stakeholders’ town hall meetings, global collaborations and publications. To ensure our projects remain aligned with the specificity of purpose for which they were designed, we lay emphasis on monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment. For all enquires, Contact us at: academics@asapwestafrica.org
People
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 Ismail Ibraheem is a graduate of the prestigious University of Leicester, United Kingdom where he obtained Master’s and PhD qualifications in communications, politics and public policy analysis. He also attended the University of Lagos, Nigeria where he obtained degrees in mass communication and political science. Dr. Ibraheem has a wealth of experience working for private, public and voluntary sector organizations in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. A former British Chevening Scholar, Dr. Ibraheem currently works as a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, a UNESCO Centre of Excellence in Journalism and Communication. Prior to joining the University of Lagos in June 2011, he was Chair of NI4 Think Tank, UK (a public policy monitoring group set up to advise the government in the East Midlands region on the uptake of empowerment initiatives). At various times, he was a Visiting Lecturer at Coventry University, Northampton University, Lincoln University and Leicester University. Dr. Ibraheem also served as Chair of the UK-based Centre for African Resources Research and Development, Founding Director of Communication and Strategy, Centre for Free Speech, Nigeria, and Director of the Media and Governance Programme/ Editor of LIBERTY Magazine/ Coordinator of Journalists Outreach for Human Rights, Civil Liberties Organisation, Nigeria. Dr Ibraheem is the Director of Programmes and Projects – ASAP West Africa. Contact him at ismailibraheem@asapwestafrica.org |
 Adepoju Tejumaiye is a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD degrees in Mass Communication. He has taught in four other universities in Nigeria, including: Babcock University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Redeemer’s University and Caleb University. For the past ten years, Adepoju has conducted research in the area of mass media and identity development of children, political advertising, ethics of the mass media, and environmental communication. He is a member of the African Council of Communication Education as well as member of the Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria. He has contributed to articles in international and national journals, and has also published books in the area of mass media research. He is enthusiastic about applying social research as well as the mass media to reduce or eradicate poverty. Tejumaiye serves as the Director of Research and Development – ASAP West Africa. Contact him at adepojutejumaiye@asapwestafrica.org |
 Abubakri Yekini is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University, Nigeria. He studied Law at Lagos State University and Nigerian Law School, where he graduated with First class Honours. He received his L.L.M from the University of Lagos and is currently pursuing his PhD there. Before joining the Lagos State University as a Lecturer, he worked as a researcher for various human rights groups. His research interests include human rights, constitutional law and legal reforms, labour law, international law and jurisprudence. He is the Legal Adviser – ASAP West Africa. Contact him at abubakriyekini@asapwestafrica.org |
 Jeremie Nare holds a Master’s Degree in NGO and Development Management (for which he was awarded a distinction) and a First Class Honours Degree in International Development: the Third World with NGO Management from the University of East London. He is a consultant specializing in NGO and Development Management for several development communities and NGOs based in Europe and in developing countries. Jeremie is a member of the London International Development Centre (LIDC). His most recent work, ‘Exploring good practices in overcoming social deprivation’, was funded by the United Kingdom-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI). This research project aims to map and disseminate good practices for overcoming deprivations in urban communities of London and Mumbai. He has four main research interests: human wellbeing and development, microfinance, and sustainable livelihoods, poverty and inequality, and HIV/AIDS in the world. The multi-lingual Jeremie, who is from Burkina Faso, serves as the Director of Budget and Planning – ASAP West Africa. Contact him at jeremienare@asapwestafrica.org |
 Tunde Olusola Ayanwale holds a Master of Science degree in Brand Management from University of East London, UK and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from Redeemers University, Nigeria. Ayanwale is currently a Managing Partner/Consultant at Graffiti Strategic Communications based in Nigeria. Over the years, his distinguished professional expertise, competence and consultation have helped different clients such as political organizations, the media, NGOs, businesses and a host of other clients to achieve remarkable success. He has a vision of bringing his successful professional practice into academia in the near future, as he is currently working towards attaining his doctorate degree in political communication and development. His research interests include political communication, Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ethical branding, good governance and media advocacy. Ayanwale is the Director of Strategy and Communications – ASAP West Africa. Contact him at olusolaayanwale@asapwsetafrica.org |
 Oluwaseun Olanrewaju is a legal consultant and researcher who holds a L.L.B, B.L from Lagos State University and the Nigerian Law School. He is also a graduate of the University of East London where he obtained an MSc in Politics and International Relations. His research project, “The influence of non-governmental organizations on human rights in Nigeria”, examines the role of non-governmental organizations in advocating for the entrenchment of human right norms and the challenges they encounter in their pursuits. While in the UK, he was a researcher at the International Centre for Development Initiatives (ICDI). His research focuses on politics and public policy, democracy and the rule of law in Africa, ethnic politics and marginalization, and human rights. Oluwaseun is the Director of Administration/ Coordinator – ASAP West Africa and is a PhD candidate at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Switzerland. Contact him at oluwaseunolanrewaju@asapwestafrica.org |
Projects
Children’s Right to Education
Education is one of the most important mechanisms that can be adopted to reduce the poverty and inequality plaguing human society. Education builds human capital and creates societal knowledge to stimulate sustainable economic growth. Sadly, illiteracy rates in West Africa are high. The Children’s Right to Education project encompasses two programs: advocacy for the right to education and improving the standard of education in West Africa. This project will prioritize promoting the right to education for girls, who currently have lower enrolment in schools. The purpose of emphasizing education for girls is to ensure equality and balance within our social system and institutions. Educating a girl not only empowers her to overcome the challenges of poverty, but also enables her to contribute meaningfully to societal development. Relatedly, ICT-based education is currently under-utilized in West Africa, while the world is rapidly embracing digital and virtual learning systems. Thus, in order for West Africa to be in tandem with the developed world, ASAP West Africa is committed to spearheading ICT capacity building in West African schools for students and tutors.
Project Members
Dr Adepoju Tejumaiye – Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos
Dr Kayode Oyende – Department of Public Law, Lagos State University
Dr Kayode Eesuola – Department of Political Science, University of Lagos
Dr Ayo Alao – Department of Mass Communication, Kwara State University
Dr Babatunde Isaac Olutoyin – Department of Public Law, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti
Dr Felix N. Unaji – Department of Political Science, Madonna University, Okija, Anambra
Sogunle Benjamin Abayomi – Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye
Abubakri Yekini – Lecturer, Department of International Law and Jurisprudence, Lagos State University
Tunde Olusola Ayanwale – Media Consultant, Graffiti Strategic Communications
Gary Kelechi Amadi – Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Disu Nurudeen Omotayo – ICT Consultant, CEO, Defture Nigeria Limited
To participate in this project, contact the leader, Adepoju Tejumaiye, at adepojutejumaiye@asapwestafrica.org.
Promoting Infrastructural Development
Over the years, researchers have established the nexus between infrastructural development and economic growth. Infrastructure is a key asset for any nation; therefore, investment in infrastructure promotes economic growth and reduces poverty. Infrastructural development not only enhances living conditions, but also allows local businesses to thrive and attract foreign investors. In effect, the availability of basic amenities and adequate infrastructure expand the labour market by facilitating job creation and thereby reducing levels of unemployment and poverty. This project will examine the challenges impeding infrastructural development in West Africa, with the goal of developing a practical framework to overcome such challenges. Equally, it will promote the right to basic amenities. To ensure its effectiveness, researchers working on this project will disseminate information through articles, essays and reports that will be presented and discussed at workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Project Members
Dr Ismail Ibraheem – Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos
Dr Femi Odubunmi – Department of Economics, Lagos State University Dr Bakare Ibrahim – Department of Economics, Lagos State University
Dr Olufemi Layemi – Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos
Dr Tajudeen Olumoko – Department of Business Administration, Lagos State University
Afolabi Ojo – Lecturer, Department of Accounting, Redeemers University
Olujimi Fasheke – Lecturer, Department of History and International Relations, Redeemers University
Aju Oluseyi – Doctoral Candidate, Global Business Management, University of Benin
Oluwaseun Alele – Doctoral Candidate, School of Business and Law, University of East London
Agbaje B. Abidemi – Lecturer, Department of Economics, Fountain University, Osun State
Jeremie Nare – Development Consultant/ Researcher
Oluwaseun Olanrewaju – Legal Consultant/ Researcher
To participate in this project, contact the leader, Ismail Ibraheem at: ismailibraheem@asapwestafrica.org.
Youth Empowerment and Skills Development
Today, it is globally recognized that a focus on youth empowerment is fundamental for national development and preventing youth restiveness. Besides, the significance of youth empowerment to nation building cannot be underestimated considering the fact that youth constitute the majority in many societies. In essence, a nation that neglects its youth neglects its future. Based on this, there is a need to create an effective platform to enable youth to harness and utilize their abilities productively. ASAP West Africa believes in partnering with corporate bodies, NGOs, governments, and entrepreneurs to set up vocational centres for maximum capacity building for the youth. This project will afford youth the opportunity to develop their potential and acquire new skills to overcome poverty and contribute to societal development.
To partner with us on this project, get in touch at academics@asapwestafrica.org.