DIaDeRC Successfully Concludes her 1st Virtual Grant Winning Bootcamp (ASMN Series 1.0)

Exciting News: Over 250 Researchers Celebrate Success at the Virtual Grant Winning Bootcamp Series 1.0!

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Virtual Grant Winning Bootcamp Series 1.0, where more than 250 researchers from over 15 African countries, Africans in the Diaspora, and international researchers were trained. 

Hosted by the Centre for members of the African Scholars Mentorship Network (#asmn), this boot camp was a tremendous achievement, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants.

The team specially thanks the Founding Chair, Evans Osabuohien, and esteemed speakers, that includes Simplice Asongu, Daniel  Sonnenstuhl, Olasubomi Obadeyi, Olufunmilayo Olusa, for their invaluable contributions. Partners such as OBMeet, Institute of Educational Leadership Practitioners of Nigeria (IELPN), African Governance and Development Institute, that played a significant role in making this event a resounding success, providing practical insights.

For the members of #asmn, the journey does not end here! They can look forward to the following benefits:

1. Certificates of completion will be awarded to all participants for their hard work and dedication.
2. Participants will be grouped into specific collaboration #groups, allowing them to practice and apply what they have learned during the boot camp.
3. Lifetime access to in-house #collaborative #opportunities, ensuring they can continue their professional growth and development.
4. An exciting opportunity to become part of diaderc.centre #courses #curators and more, further advancing their expertise in their respective fields.

Members of the African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN), are encouraged to like, share, and comment about their #experiences, and join the conversation using the hashtag #asmn. Their engagement are seen to help inspire others and showcase the success of this remarkable event.

The Centre will be open to experienced and non-experienced researchers from around the globe seeking to connect and network with the current team of trained researchers, grant opportunities and collaborations.

Series 2.0 will begin on the 24th of September, 2023 .To join click this Link

Once again, the team congratulates all participants and partners for making the Virtual Grant Winning Bootcamp Series 1.0 an unforgettable achievement! And look forward to more groundbreaking initiatives and collaborative efforts in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities from DIaDeRC and her African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN).

Below are some of the testimonials of members of the African Scholars Mentorship Network

Olayemi Amosun (Chrisland University , Abeokuta, Nigeria)

“This mentorship workshop has opened my eyes and mind to a lot of things about research. I have learnt that collaboration and Mentorship are very germane to a successful career in research. This program has also taught me that no matter the number of times you stumble, pick yourself up, shake it off and start again”

Sarah Enwa (Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria)

“With immense joy, I share my African Scholars Mentorship Network experience. This network connected me with exceptional researchers, fostering a dynamic WhatsApp group for brainstorming and sharing research ideas and opportunities. We submitted an abstract for an upcoming conference in Ghana on food safety, nutrition, and health. Currently, we’re preparing for a conference on land degradation and climate change in Ethiopia. Prof. Evans Osabuohien’s pioneering initiative stands as a unique and invaluable contribution to Africa’s academic growth”

Temitope Olalude (University of Ibadan, Nigeria)

“Participating in the African Scholars Mentorship Network has been profoundly enlightening. The knowledge gained is priceless, offering direction, focus, and renewed courage that money can’t provide. This experience is invaluable to me”

Olayemi Mesogboriwon (Program Manager, Engineering & Technology Against Poverty in Africa) 

“My most valuable takeaway was distinguishing between network and partnership, terms I previously used interchangeably. I grasped the importance of research mentorship and recognized the significance of collaborating with women to address gender disparities in research and development”

Opeyemi Akinjiola Opeyemi (Lagos State Teaching Hospital, Nigeria)

“The African Scholarship network is a vital resource for scholars aiming to advance their academic journeys. As a budding academic without publications, I found exceptional value in Prof. Simplice Asongu’s insights on reputable outlet publishing and collaborative efforts. I’ve learned about resilience in publishing, mentorship dynamics, and cross-national collaboration. Applying these lessons is my aim. Prof. Evans and the team’s leadership are appreciated, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with network members”

Olayemi Olalude, (University of Ibadan, Nigeria)

“To start with, my appreciation goes to all the ASMN organizing committee members most especially Professor Evans for organizing this programme in a time like this. I must say this programme has served as an encouragement to me in grant writing and renewed my hope and confidence that winning grants is possible once we are consistent, focused and determined. Lastly, networking is one of my testimonies on this platform. I’m privileged to meet some great researchers and scholars who have impacted positively as touching my carrier. God bless you all”

Olajumoke Dele-Alonge (Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria)

“The training was educational, insightful, and thought-provoking. It simplified what I once found challenging, boosting my confidence. With faith, I’m confident in achieving my purpose. Amen”

Emmanuel Obijole (University of Ibadan, Nigeria)

“Participating in this series has been a recent highlight. My goal was to learn research proposal writing, but I gained much more. As I aspire to an academic career, the insights from the African Scholars Mentorship Network are invaluable. Hearing Professors Osabuohien and Asongu was inspiring. While I’m on a journey to network, publish, and make a research impact, I now have the compass pointing me forward. Many thanks to DIaDeRC for this opportunity”

Ofure Esebanmhen (University of Ibadan, Nigeria)

“Every episode held enlightening insights, but a personal turning point emerged post the fourth episode. I’d applied for a travel grant after my abstract’s acceptance for a conference, optimistic about it. Yet, weeks before the event, an unfortunate response arrived. The lessons on resilience and persistence, especially in rejection’s face, resonated deeply. While primarily focused on publishing, I replayed the Professors’ advice to not internalize rejection but embrace it for growth. The African Scholars Mentorship Network instilled unwavering determination within me. I’ll persevere until good transforms into better, better evolves into best, and my best is acknowledged as ‘excellent’ “

Obiajulu Okeke (Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria)

“Connecting with fellow scholars has been rewarding, especially since receiving my first invitation to review for a Scopus-indexed journal, recommended by Prof. Evans. Deeply thankful for this platform”

Nusirat Gold (Kwara State University Malete, Nigeria)

“The episodes were truly impactful and enlightening. I’ve understood the value of collaboration and gained insights into successful grant writing. Additionally, I’ve learned key elements of making a meaningful contribution to knowledge”

Neema Kumburu (Moshi Cooperative University, Arusha, Tanzania)

“Being part of an African academic network granted me a unique chance to connect with scholars continent-wide. I acquired skills in grant writing, execution, and effective junior staff mentoring. Despite prior discouragement, I now value female collaboration and growth. This experience changed my outlook, motivating me to uplift and support fellow women academicians. Together, we can shatter barriers and showcase our immense potential. Thankful for this transformative opportunity, I’m excited to contribute to a nurturing community where women flourish and achieve success”

Loveth Ode-Omenka (Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria)

“The first episode taught me the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in research. ASMN provided insights into grant proposal writing, navigating high-rated journal submissions, and handling rejections. Crucially, I’m mentored by a distinguished African researcher. This network transformed my academic path, and I’m grateful for the founder and the exceptional team. God’s blessings for their remarkable work”

Galinoma Gahele Lubawa (Institute of Rural Development Planning, Dodoma, Tanzania)

“During this training, I’ve acquired valuable insights and ideas that are essential for advancing my research career. Firstly, I’ve gained expertise in grant searching, strategies for crafting compelling proposals, and ethical considerations for pursuing multilateral grants. Secondly, the training underscored the importance of collaboration and mentorship in elevating one’s research and academic achievements. Lastly, both the facilitator and guest speaker (Prof. Simplice) emphasized that life’s purpose lies in making a positive impact and contributing to society. This experience has been truly transformative”

Moses Adewole Oyabiyi  (Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria)

“During this training, I’ve acquired valuable insights and ideas that are essential for advancing my research career. Firstly, I’ve gained expertise in grant searching, strategies for crafting compelling proposals, and ethical considerations for pursuing multilateral grants. Secondly, the training underscored the importance of collaboration and mentorship in elevating one’s research and academic achievements. Lastly, both the facilitator and guest speaker (Prof. Simplice) emphasized that life’s purpose lies in making a positive impact and contributing to society. This experience has been truly transformative”

Sunday Olumide (University of Abuja, Nigeria)

“Being educated by the African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN) is an immense honour. Learning from accomplished experts in the field, who possess extensive experience and a proven track record of success, has been invaluable. I’ve acquired practical skills and methodologies needed for crafting thorough research studies, securing grants, and exploring various opportunities. ASMN training programs offer a foundation for empowering researchers like me, providing a space to continually learn and grow within a community of brilliant minds. This experience is truly transformative”

Deborah Agene (University of Abuja, Nigeria )

“The series greatly expanded my insights. I learned how to gracefully manage rejections. Prof. Simplice’s deep dive into successful publication in esteemed journals was eye-opening. The complexities of collaboration, including horizontal, forward, and backward vertical collaborations, and effective team formation, were clear takeaways. The research pyramid concept, highlighting the need for a clear message before writing, was a revelation. In essence, these scholarly episodes enriched my research wisdom. I’m committed to applying equal collaboration efforts and sharing this knowledge. In conclusion, as a female researcher, I’m dedicated to fostering open collaborations”

Hauwah K. K. AbdulKareem (Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria)

“In the first series of the African Scholars Mentorship Network, I was apprised of the main components and the CFA (contextualization, feasibility and approach) in research grant writing. I also gained valuable insights from the Mentorship Nature-Nurture Cycle of Osabuohien and Karakara (2023) and Prof. Simplice Asongu’s ABC of publishing in reputable outlets from journal selection to handling rejection. Additionally, I am able to put the importance of collaboration into different perspectives and am also equipped with how to collaborate horizontally and vertically. Overall, it was a truly enriching and rewarding experience that will advance my research and professional endeavours”

Oziengbe Aigheyisi (University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria)

“I discovered that networking amplifies opportunities. Additionally, I realised that including around 20 of my published papers on my resume, even if I have more, can enhance my prospects for employment and grants. Collaborating in research also showcases my teamwork and mentorship abilities”

Nwengeh Ngwengeh Brendaline Beloke (University of Buea, Cameroon)

“Recognising the value of Emotional Intelligence in facilitating collaborative research was highly beneficial. I gained significant insights into effectively navigating authorial differences, leading to the successful completion of a paper despite initial scholarly disagreements”

Bose Adeboye  (Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria)

“Participating in the African Scholars mentorship network has ignited a passion for research within me. As a young researcher, I’ve realized the gaps in building my career. This network has highlighted the importance of consistently updating my CV, seeking both online and onsite training opportunities. Additionally, it has emphasized the significance of collaborating and networking with peers. The sessions on grant and motivation letter writing have honed my skills for crafting compelling proposals. This experience is a pivotal step toward becoming a successful researcher”

Oluwatosin Deborah Edafe (Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria)

“The African Scholars Mentorship Network connected me with researchers from diverse fields, fostering idea exchange, especially with those in my specialisation. I’ve grasped the significance of teamwork in research; it’s a collective endeavour. No one achieves it alone”

Gaddiel Osagie (Wellspring University, Benin City, Nigeria)

“I have before now not been motivated to reach out to persons and organisations I knew can be great to collaborate with and a quality crop of people to build a strong network with. After the first 3 episodes, I am impressed at my bold moves to reach out, sign up and attend seminars and meet wonderful academic minds who have greatly encouraged me in my return to scholastic work”

Foday Kamara (Ministry of Finance, Cameroon)

“Research remains a crucial skill for scholars worldwide. Researchers employ techniques like econometrics and statistics, utilizing various tools to generate policy-relevant results for governance. Unfortunately, a substantial research gap hinders Africa’s progress. The training provided by the African Scholars Mentorship Network is pivotal, empowering young researchers to conduct independent research. This training has introduced me to extensive research prospects, including the utilization of statistical packages and advanced Excel for managing vast databases. The practical exercises play a pivotal role in enhancing participants’ capacity through active learning”

Anthony Ibe (Havilla University, Nde-Ikom, Nigeria)

“My most cherished moments within the African Scholars Mentorship Network training are the Q&A sessions. They’ve opened doors to abundant knowledge and motivated me to put my learning into practice”

Adetomiwa Adesokan (Dominican University, Nigeria)

“Through the African Scholars Mentorship Network, I learned the value of collaboration, and I reached out to a friend interested in co-writing. Many thanks to the network”

Oluwaremilekun Adebisi (Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Empowerment, Ilorin, Nigeria)

“I have learnt a great deal and acquired useful experiences from participating in the African Scholars Mentorship Network training programme, which includes the rudiments of grant writing, how to structure my proposal and the importance of mentorship to be well-groomed in grant proposal writing. Also, I learnt the prerequisites to watch out for when choosing a publishing outlet and the best way to handle rejections from reviewers. Furthermore, I learnt the importance of collaboration and team building as an early career researcher”