LASU Scholar Bridges Continents at Major Afro-Brazilian Conference in Brazil

In a landmark display of academic diplomacy, Professor Jide Hunjo recently led a delegation from Lagos State University (LASU) to the 4th International Conference on Afro-Brazilian Studies, held in Brazil. The event, which drew scholars from across the globe, served as a vibrant platform for exploring the historical and contemporary ties between Africa and Brazil.

Professor Hunjo, a respected figure in LASU’s academic community, oversaw the university’s participation in the conference, which focused on shared cultural heritage, the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, and modern Afro-diasporic identities. The delegation presented research that highlighted Nigeria’s enduring influence on Brazilian culture, from religion and cuisine to language and music.

The conference, held over several days, featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. Brazilian and African academics engaged in deep dialogue about the role of education in decolonizing knowledge. Professor Hunjo’s team specifically contributed to sessions on institutional collaborations, arguing that African universities must take a leading role in shaping the narrative of the Afro-Atlantic world.

“This was more than an academic gathering; it was a reunion of histories,” said a representative from the LASU delegation. “Brazil and Nigeria share a deep spiritual and cultural kinship. Our goal is to build tangible partnerships that allow our students and researchers to benefit from this connection.”

The trip also included visits to local Brazilian universities and cultural centers, where the LASU team observed the preservation of Yoruba traditions in places like Salvador, Bahia. For Professor Hunjo, the experience reinforced the importance of international engagement—a key priority for LASU under its current global strategy.

As the conference drew to a close, the LASU delegation left with renewed commitments to joint research projects and student exchange programs. The university is now exploring formal agreements with Brazilian institutions, aiming to turn academic conversations into lasting transcontinental bridges.