University of Benin conference awards French-language scholarship and research

By AI, Created 3:06 PM UTC, May 30, 2026, /AGP/ – The University of Benin’s Department of Foreign Languages hosted its 6th Biennial International Conference from May 17-20, 2026, drawing scholars from Nigeria and abroad for discussions on Franco-Nigerian literature, language and culture. The event also featured GARI-backed cash awards for top papers and emerging scholars, highlighting the role of sponsorship in supporting research mentorship.

Why it matters: - The conference put decolonial language research, translation studies and French-language scholarship in front of an international academic audience. - GARI’s sponsorship tied financial support directly to research recognition, helping fund awards for both established and emerging scholars. - The event also strengthened the University of Benin’s profile as a regional hub for multilingual and cross-border academic exchange.

What happened: - The Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Arts, University of Benin hosted its 6th Biennial International Conference on the theme “Franco-Nigerian Literature, Language and Culture.” - The conference ran from Sunday, May 17, to Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Banquet Hall and the Department of Foreign Languages on the Ugbowo Campus in Benin City, Nigeria. - The opening ceremony began Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. West Central Africa Time. - The gathering brought together academics, researchers, language scholars, literary experts, emerging researchers and guests from Nigeria and abroad. - Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, chaired the conference. - Prof. Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, served as host. - Emeritus Prof. R. O. Elaho, JP, served as consultant. - Prof. Ngozi O. Iloh was conference convener and chairman. - Dr. Osarenmwinda Emokpae-Ogbebor headed the Department of Foreign Languages. - Dr. Adenike P. Odiboh served as conference secretary.

The details: - The program focused on intellectual engagement in language studies, literature, translation, cultural scholarship, decolonial linguistic inquiry and mentorship for emerging academics. - Conference materials emphasized viable research, scholarly mentorship and international academic collaboration. - Invited guests included Prof. Austin Moye, Mr. Francis Ogbemudia, Professor Cyril Mokwenye (Retired) and Prof. Kester Echenim (Retired). - The keynote address came from Professor Ramonu Sanusi, a professor of French Studies, African and Caribbean Literatures and Cultures. - Dr. Nicholas Faraclas of the University of Puerto Rico and Prof. Desmond Odugu of Lake Forest College delivered a joint presentation titled “The Spread of French in Nigeria versus the Spread of Naija: Decolonizing How We Think About Language Spread in Particular and About ‘Language Development’ in General.” - Their presentation examined decolonial views on language spread, linguistic vitality and Nigerian Pidgin, also known as “Naija.” - The presentation involved scholars affiliated with the University of Puerto Rico, Lake Forest College, Michigan State University, Karoli Gaspar University and the University at Buffalo. - Global Association for Research and Innovation, through Founder/President Dr. Jimoh Braimoh, served as an official financial sponsor. - A Memorandum of Understanding between GARI and the Department of Foreign Languages confirmed GARI as a financial and supporting sponsor. - The sponsorship package included $1,000 for general conference support, ₦100,000 for the Best Paper Award and ₦100,000 for the Emerging Scholar Award. - The agreement required the award funds to be used only for the designated prizes. - The Host Institution was to recognize GARI in conference materials, verbal acknowledgments and award presentations. - The MoU said the sponsorship supported GARI’s educational and research mission. - The department issued a Letter of Acknowledgment and Appreciation thanking GARI for its donations and for sponsoring awards for the Best Paper Presenter and Best Young Emerging Scholar. - The department said the awards were intended to encourage quality research and meaningful academic discourse. - Dr. Martha Nguwasen Chia of the Department of Foreign Languages, University of Uyo, won the Best Paper Presenter Award. - Dr. Chia received ₦100,000 for the award, which recognized the quality, originality and scholarly contribution of her presentation. - Emeritus Prof. R. O. Elaho presented the Best Paper Award. - Ruth D. Adeoye of the Department of French Studies, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, won the Emerging Scholar Award. - Adeoye received ₦100,000 for promise, innovation and contribution to emerging scholarship in French and language studies. - Professor Ramonu Sanusi presented the Emerging Scholar Award. - Members of the 1986 Alumni Set donated a projector and a 72-inch projection screen to the Department of Foreign Languages. - Reverend Dr. Mrs. Gina Obadan and Ogboru Justina represented the alumni group. - The alumni said the donation supported preparations for their 40th anniversary celebration. - The alumni group said it would return in July for a larger reunion honoring the department and lecturers who contributed to their training.

Between the lines: - The award structure shows how conference sponsorship can function as direct academic support rather than generic event branding. - The decolonial theme and the Naija-versus-French presentation point to a broader debate over whose language frameworks shape research in African contexts. - Alumni donations added a second layer of institutional support, linking the conference to longer-term department development.

What’s next: - Organizers said the conference was designed to keep mentoring younger scholars and to encourage networking across disciplines and institutions. - The department expects the event to deepen collaboration in research, language studies and intercultural dialogue. - The 1986 Alumni Set plans to return in July for its reunion celebration.