Nigerian Scholar Visiting as CIQR Research Fellow for Fall Semester

The first research scholar with the Center for Interpretive and Qualitative Research (CIQR), a Nigerian expert on education, history and politics, is on campus this fall.

Since arriving in August, Dr. Aminu Aliyu Wushishi has been familiarizing himself with campus and working with CIQR to narrow his research topic.

“Dr. Wushishi has a very interesting interdisciplinary background, which is something we value greatly at CIQR.” said Dr. Fred Evans, coordinator for CIQR. “He was born in Nigeria, earning his Ph.D. in Malaysia, and has proven himself to be well-traveled and willing to explore the world, academically and personally.”

As part of his work at Duquesne, Wushishi will give a presentation in December to discuss his research while on campus. While the exact topic is still to be determined, his research here will most likely focus on education and the impact that outside cultural influences have on students and learning. In the past, Wushishi has looked at the effects of socio-economic status and religious influences, particularly the Islamic and Christian division, on education in Nigeria.

CIQR develops and explores interpretive and qualitative research methods, as well as their practical implications. The center brings together a diverse group of faculty and graduate students for monthly seminars and panels, interdisciplinary and cross-listed graduate courses, lectures and workshops offered by visiting scholars, hosts scholars in residence and conducts community action research and outreach.

Wushishi explored a number of universities in Europe and the U.S. for a fellowship but he was especially drawn to Duquesne because of the University’s reputation and commitment to inclusion.

“I was very happy that CIQR was housed with other liberal arts, and when I read more about the centers leadership I said to myself, ‘These are capable and competent people from whom I can learn a lot,’” Wushishi said. “I also appreciated the fact that Duquesne is a Catholic university but accepts so many cultures.”

This inclusiveness may result in a continued relationship with Duquesne, Wushishi said, since he has begun talks with Dr. Marinus Iwuchukwu about hosting events in Nigeria with the Consortium for Christian-Muslim Dialogue, formerly the Christian-Muslim Dialogue Committee.