20th Anniversary Conference of the Urhobo Studies Association
About the Event
The Urhobo Studies Association (USA), as a distinguished academic and cultural organisation is devoted to the promotion of the Urhobo language, culture, and heritage. In the twenty years of her existence, the Association has spearheaded several projects, including the production of a standard Urhobo Language Curriculum for schools, development of teaching and resource materials for Urhobo language teachers, organisation of teacher-training workshops, as well as the consistent publication of Aridon, an international (online) journal of Urhobo studies. Through these activities, the Association has played a central role in revitalising and sustaining scholarly and practical interest in Urhobo studies locally and internationally.
The Association seeks to further the mission of advancing Urhobo scholarship by convening scholars, researchers, educators, and cultural stakeholders to discuss, promote, and advance knowledge in all aspects of Urhobo studies. In recognition of the urgent need to revitalize and sustain the Urhobo language, the conference will be preceded by a one-day Workshop for Urhobo language teachers. This workshop is designed to build the capacity of the Urhobo teachers in Primary and Secondary schools, update their teaching strategies, and provide them with relevant instructional resources. The event is scheduled to hold on Monday 1st – Wednesday 3rd September, 2025 at Delta State University, Abraka.
Countdown:
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Founded some two decades ago, the Urhobo Studies Association (USA) has given impetus to the study and documentation of Urhobo language, culture, philosophy, history and other aspects which constitute her indigenous knowledge systems. The Association has organized conferences and workshops. In a very significant feat, it has produced Urhobo Language curricula for Primary One to Junior Secondary Three which has been approved for use by the Federal Government. It has also regularly published the journal, ARIDON: International Journal of Urhobo Studies for many years now. As part of events marking its twenty years of existence the Association is organizing an introspective, but forward looking multidisciplinary conference that will afford it to look back and rethink the future of Urhobo research and documentation in view of contemporary advancement in learning and technology. The overall goal of the conference is to position Urhobo studies for the emergent New World Order.
Among the sub-themes that participants can focus on are:
1. Urhobo Language/Linguistics Studies in the 21st Century and Beyond
2. Urhobo Lexis and the Challenges of Scientific and Technological Advancement
3. Urhobo Indigenous Knowledge System in the New World Order
4. Urhobo Indigenous Technologies and Communications System
5. Urhobo Healthcare/Healing Practices and Contemporaneity
6. Urhobo Ethno-philosophy, Gender Practice and Worldview
7. Urhobo Geography, Urbanization, Ecology and Climate Change
8. Urhobo Agricultural Practices, Fisheries and Food Production
9. Urhobo Music, Dance, Film, Arts and Crafts
10. Urhobo Folklore, Festivals and Religious Practices
11. Urhobo Ethnography and Anthropology
12. Urhobo Studies, Translation and Digital Humanities
13. Urhobo Studies, ICT, Social Media and AI
14. Urhobo Studies and Critical Theories
15. Urhobo Studies, Globalization and Migrations
16. Urhobo Studies, Culture and Digital Natives
Abstracts of not more than 200 words should be sent to: urhobostudiesconference2025@gmail.com on or before Thursday, 31st July, 2025 while full papers should be sent in on or before Friday, 23rd August, 2025. The best 20 papers, after a blind peer review, will be published in ARIDON: International Journal of Urhobo Studies.
Intending participants can register at: https://forms.gle/a5Vq6mbH5pEhGBgcA.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Professor G. G. Darah (Professor of Folklore and Cultural Sciences)
LEAD PAPER PRESENTERS:
Professor Emmanuel Uphuophu-Biri
(Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Delta State)
Professor (Mrs) Enajite Ojaruega
(Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka)
Chief Host
Professor S. O. Asagba
Vice-Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka
Host
Professor U. N. O. Edewor
Dean, Faculty of Arts, Delta State University, Abraka
Convener
Professor (Mrs) Rose Aziza
Chair, Urhobo Studies Association
LOC CHAIR
Dr (Mrs) Eseoghene Aleh
Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, Abraka
For further enquiries, call: Dr. E. Aleh (LOC Chair) at 08035085193, Dr. P. Ekiugbo (LOC Secretary) at 07062851103, or Moses Darah (USA Secretary) at 08063595403; send an email to urhobostudiesconference2025@gmail.com or visit the conference website for updates.