EDI-R hosts the Vice Chancellor from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) hosted the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA, and former Secretary of Enugu State Government, to the University of Waterloo. This visit was made possible through the leadership, connections, and scholarly contributions of Dr. Onyeka Ezeh in the Faculty of Arts, whose academic relationship with UNN laid the foundation for this collaboration. His work has been central to creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between the two institutions.

During the visit, Dr. Christopher Stuart Taylor, Associate Vice-President of EDI-R, brought together University leaders including Dr. Bruce Frayne (Dean, Faculty of Environment), Dr. Lili Liu (Dean, Faculty of Health), and Dr. Alfred Yu (Associate Vice-President, Partnerships, Entrepreneurship, and Commercialization) to explore opportunities for deeper academic exchange, reflect on shared priorities, and strengthen relationships rooted in innovation, governance, co-operative education, interdisciplinary research, and a shared commitment to advancing Black scholarship. The Vice-Chancellor met with distinguished academic and research leaders from across the University, including Dr. Helena Shilomboleni (Faculty of Environment), whose research focuses on  climate resilient agriculture and scaling innovations in smallholder farming systems, Dr. Yverick Rangom (Chemical Engineering), whose work explores Li-ion batteries, advanced materials and clean energy technologies with a particular focus on electric vehicle battery research.

As part of the visit, the Vice-Chancellor toured Waterloo’s innovative campus spaces and engaged in discussions that highlighted interdisciplinary research and shared priorities in sustainability, innovation, and community impact. These conversations underscored the strong potential for cross-continental collaboration, particularly in addressing global challenges through academic partnerships and technological innovation.

“Visits like this remind us that building strong, global partnerships is about more than research and teaching. It’s about exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and advancing equity and inclusion together,” said Dr. Taylor. “Our conversations opened exciting possibilities, from AI and innovation, strengthening Black Studies, expanding our initiatives with Pan-African Initiative for Research (PAIR), and build meaningful relationships across the African continent and its diaspora. These connections enrich both institutions and open new pathways for collective scholarship and cross continental exchange.”

Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor visited the Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy, where he met with the school’s director, Dr. Andrea Edginton, and deputy director, Dr. Emmanuel Ho. The visit further strengthened the existing relationship between the Institutions, where UNN Senior Researcher Dr. Thaddeus Harrison Gugu is researching vaccine development and phage therapy as part of his second PhD program.

This visit was made possible through the groundwork laid by the Black Collective, a cross-campus network of faculty, staff, students, and community leaders dedicated to addressing anti-Black racism and advancing Black scholarship at Waterloo. The visit affirmed the Collective’s ongoing efforts to centre Black voices in academia and demonstrated how local leadership and advocacy can inspire international collaboration, creating new pathways for Black scholars to thrive.

As the partnership evolves, UWaterloo and UNN will explore joint research opportunities, student exchanges, and cultural initiatives that strengthen academic and community connections between Canada and Nigeria.