A Nigerian lecturer at the Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Dr Ademola Adesola, has been awarded the university’s The President’s Community Connections Award.

Sharing news of the award, Mr Adesola said, “It is with immense joy that I share that I am one of the two recipients of the 2026 MRU “The President’s Community Connections Award.”

He stated, “My gratitude is to my nominator, Dr. John Cheeseman. Dr. Cheeseman has been a consistent admirer of my work within and outside MRU. Dr. Cheeseman is neither in my Faculty nor Department. He works in the University Library. 

“My initiation and convening of the African and Black Writings in Canada Speaker Series annually stands out as one of the undertakings that The President’s Community Connections Award celebrates. With the invaluable assistance of different colleagues, staff, and students, I have run this series in the last three years. October 21 this year will be its fourth edition. 

“When I joined MRU in 2022, I saw a gap that I could fill through my research interests. I found out quickly that ideas and letters produced by African and Black Canadians needed to be part of what our university should take seriously beyond the classroom. That will on my part found a way; I tapped into money designated for such initiatives. That funding source has been crucial to the organization of the Series annually in a hybrid fashion. The Series brings people to MRU from just about anywhere on campus, in Canada, and in the world. 

“I have not been doing this work alone. And so, the award belongs to everyone who has supported me (I have reached out to them already), and to all who continue to do so. 

“I remain grateful, too, to colleagues who this past academic year found me worthy of being nominated for other awards such as the MRU Emerging Scholar Award; the Faculty of Arts Outstanding Service Award; the Alberta Immigrant Impact Award (Career and Academics Contribution Award); and the Calgary Black Achievement Awards (Academic category). I use this opportunity again to thank my colleague, Dr. Christopher Grignard, for the Faculty of Arts Outstanding Service Award I got about two years ago. My Department’s Chair, Rob Boschman, for his support. Everyone who continues to challenge and encourage me is appreciated heartily.”

The official award ceremony will take place in November. 

The annual awards recognise employees whose contributions make a meaningful difference at the university and in the wider community. 

Specifically, it recognises employees who have made significant contributions to building and strengthening relationships between Mount Royal and the surrounding community. 

The award celebrates individuals who actively foster collaboration, partnerships and programmes that enhance Mount Royal’s role as a positive force in the community. Recipients award exemplify the values of service, engagement and commitment to social responsibility, making a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.