The Department of Geography Education of the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ (UEW) has hosted visiting scholars from the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF).

Dr. Joel Ayodeji Asaju of Lagos State University and Ms. Busayo Temitope Ojetunde of the University of Ibadan will be collaborating with the Department of Geography Education for an intensive, month-long academic exchange.

The visit, facilitated by Prof. Enoch F. Sam, aims to drive impactful discussions on urgent urban mobility challenges and deepen research on pedestrian safety and accessible public transport in African cities.

Prof. Enoch F. Sam, a lead researcher in urban mobility, is currently directing two initiatives: the GIANT project, focused on advancing walkability in complex urban settings, and SITUATE 2, dedicated to promoting disability-inclusive transport in the bustling cities of Accra and Nairobi.

Dr. Asaju and Ms. Ojetunde’s work in pedestrian safety and transport accessibility aligns closely with these projects, creating a dynamic synergy that promises to push the boundaries of urban mobility research and spark meaningful change.

The visit also provides an invaluable platform for engaging with UEW’s faculty and students, setting the stage for collaborative exchanges that transcend national borders. These interactions will enhance academic discourse at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵand lay the groundwork for future partnerships to address regional transport safety and mobility challenges.

With rapid urbanisation transforming cities across Africa, the Department of Geography Education’s hosting of these VREF scholars marks a forward-thinking approach to solving the continent’s pressing transportation issues. In championing academic exchange and actionable research, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵreaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, accessible urban future for Africa’s growing urban populations.

Sponsored by VREF, this collaborative effort underscores a vision of cross-cultural academic connectivity. The initiative reinforces the commitment of UEW's Geography Department to foster research that addresses real-world urban challenges, positioning ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵas a key player in African urban transport innovation. Through Dr. Asaju and Ms. Ojetunde's research contributions, critical issues surrounding the safety and inclusivity of public transport systems will take centre stage, shedding light on underrepresented aspects of urban planning.