Professor Taibat Lawanson has been appointed the Leverhulme International Professor in Urbanism at the University of Liverpool’s School of Architecture, following the university’s successful bid for a £2.2 million Leverhulme International Professorship grant.
Allnaijadiaspora.com reports that this grant, awarded over five years, will fund the establishment of an international research center dedicated to examining the impacts of climate change on the West African coast.
Professor Lawanson, who joins Liverpool from the University of Lagos, will play a pivotal role in setting up the new research Lab, which will investigate the combined effects of rapid globalization and climate change on West African cities. This Lab aims to address how these challenges affect cultural heritage and socio-economic conditions in vulnerable regions.
As part of her role, Professor Lawanson will collaborate closely with Professor Ola Uduku, the Head of Architecture at Liverpool, to launch a new Master’s Programme in Global Urbanism and Heritage. This program will focus on West Africa and include direct partnerships with the University of Lagos.
Professor Lawanson expressed her enthusiasm for the position, saying that, “It’s an honor to be selected as the Leverhulme International Professor in Urbanism at the University of Liverpool. I look forward to contributing to the research efforts and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Professor Anthony Hollander, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact at the University of Liverpool, highlighted the importance of this appointment, saying, “Sustainability is central to our strategy, and we are excited about the potential positive changes that our collaboration with Nigeria will bring.”
Professor Ola Uduku also welcomed Professor Lawanson, noting, “This grant is a significant milestone for our School, and I am eager to work with Professor Lawanson to enhance our research and educational connections with Nigeria and West Africa.”
