Curriculum integration, diversification and the role of the African academic

• 9am: Registration
• 9.45am: Welcome
• 10am: Keynote – Dr Nhlanganiso Nyathi
• 11am: AFRIG research paper
• 11.35am: Parallel presentations
• 12.35pm: Lunch
• 1.35pm: Panel discussion
• 2pm: Book launch interview – Barry Alowusi
• 2.30pm: Perspectives: education and the African student
• 3pm: Refreshments
• 3.15pm: Conclusions
• 4pm: Close and networking

Dr Nhlanganiso Nyathi is the founding chairperson of the Africa Research Interest Group (AFRIG) with support from Professor Barbara Pierscionek. Nhlanganiso was an Associate Professor at Anglia Ruskin University where he spent 13 years as an academic.

Currently, Nhlanganiso is a His Majesty’s Inspector for social care, and the child criminal exploitation champion for the London region. Nhlanganiso has extensive experience in social work practice, teaching, research, managerial and leadership levels in both statutory and non-statutory settings in the UK and abroad. His passion is in child and family social work and supervised research up to doctoral level; he also has experience as an independent reviewing officer and in chairing child protection reviews.

Nhlanganiso has served as a school governor, an elected faculty member in ARU's Senate, and on faculty strategy groups (equality, diversity and inclusion & interprofessional learning). He's a member of the Virtual Interprofessional Education (VIPE-Africa) which seeks to promote virtual IPE on the English-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa and has established research and publication networks at local, regional, national, and global levels. Nhlanganiso has published journal articles and book chapters on child protection decision-making, interprofessional learning and global health and social care issues.

Barry Awolusi is an ordained minister who resides in Essex. He's also the author of the book Lessons from an Unexpected Journey, which he'll discuss at our conference.

Lessons from an Unexpected Journey embarks on a heartfelt journey through seven decades of lessons learned and wisdom earned. The book intertwines poignant reflections on the unwavering faith that has been a guiding light, the profound importance of family bonds that have nurtured and sustained, and the cherished friendships that have brought opportunity, joy and resilience. With a steadfast desire to continue pursuing dreams and achieving goals, this narrative is a testament to the enduring spirit of growth and fulfilment at every stage of life. Inspiring and deeply personal, Lessons from an Unexpected Journey is a celebration of both Barry's life and the human experience, a roadmap for living a life of purpose and passion.

Barry is married to Victoria Awolusi and together they have five children and a granddaughter.