In a significant recognition of his scholarly contributions to the field of criminology and sociology of law, Prof. Alemika Etannibi has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in South Africa. The announcement says this prestigious appointment underscores Alemika’s expertise and dedication to academia, aligning perfectly with WSU’s mission of “In Pursuit of Excellence.”
The Cleen Foundation officially announced this appointment on their Facebook page on 1 September 2023, celebrating Prof. Etannibi’s affiliation with WSU. Although specific details about his role and responsibilities at the university remain limited, the appointment reaffirms his standing as a distinguished academic.
Prof. Etannibi Alemika has earned a well-deserved reputation in the field of criminology, with his academic achievements prominently featured on platforms such as the Global Initiative and Wikipedia. His expertise is expected to enhance the academic environment at WSU, benefitting both students and faculty.
In a related development, WSU’s Emeka Obioha, a sociology professor in the Faculty of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences, has been elected to the Executive Board of the International Sociological Association (ISA): Research Committee 29 (RC29). His term on the board will be four years, spanning 2023 to 2027.
RC29 plays a vital role in fostering cross-cultural research on deviance and social control, aligning with ISA’s global mission to advance sociological knowledge. Prof. Obioha’s election highlights his commitment to promoting sociological enterprise in Africa and facilitating international research collaborations.
Addressing his election, Prof. Obioha emphasised the significance of his role, particularly given the relatively low ISA membership from Africa. He pledged to organise and coordinate various RC29 activities on the continent, including symposiums, mini-conferences, and workshops.
According to an article by Ongezwa Sigodi on the University’s website, Prof. Obioha’s election took place during the 20th International Sociological Association (ISA) World Congress of Sociology held in Melbourne, Australia, from June 25 to July 1, 2023. He will serve on the Executive Board alongside scholars from Canada, Mexico, Australia, India, and Brazil, further strengthening the global representation of African sociologists.
During his presentation at the World Congress of Sociology, Prof. Obioha reportedly delved into the critical topic of “Barriers to Accessing Criminal Justice Services in Post-Apartheid South Africa: Reflections on the Policing System.”
Prof. Obioha’s impressive achievements also include his appointment to the Expert Group of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) in 2019 and his subsequent invitation to join the Knowledge Network of the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (UN-OSAA) in 2021, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the field of sociology and criminology.
These developments mark a significant stride in the academic and sociological landscape, highlighting the continued commitment of scholars like Prof. Alemika Etannibi and Prof. Emeka Obioha to advancing knowledge and promoting positive change on a global scale.
