“Coming to Canada to study was a dream… but no one really prepared me for the loneliness, the culture shock, or feeling like I didn’t belong.” If that sounds like your story—or the story of someone you know—then you’re not alone.
Whether you’re just arriving or have been studying in Canada for a while, navigating life as an African, Caribbean, or Black international student can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. That’s why Loy Excellentia is inviting you to a powerful, real, and uplifting event made just for you.
Loy Excellentia invites you to our highly anticipated free online webinar: BASIC SERIES 1 – Being an African Student in Canada
What Is BASIC?
BASIC stands for Being an African Student in Canada. It a free, student-centered webinar series designed to support all students of African descents’ academic success, emotional well-being, cultural transition, and personal growth while living and learning in Canada. This is more than a webinar. It’s a space to connect, to be seen, to be heard, and to be supported.
EVENT DETAILS:
Name: BASIC – Being an African Student in Canada [Series 1]
Date: August 13, 2025
Time: | 5pm PST | 7PM CT | 8PM EST |
Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to all registered participants)
Registration: FREE for all students Register Now
Panelists:
Dr. Chigbo Arthur Anyaduba | Associate Professor | University of Winnipeg
Dr. Anyaduba grew up in Nigeria, where he earned his BA in 2008 and MA in 2013 in Literature in English at Obafemi Awolowo University. In 2013, he moved to Canada to pursue a PhD in English, which he completed at the University of Manitoba in 2018. Anyaduba is currently an associate professor in the English Department at the University of Winnipeg. His teaching and research interests broadly encompass African and African Diaspora literatures and cultures, as well as literatures addressing genocides and mass atrocities. In his scholarship, Anyaduba investigates the cultural representations of genocides and mass atrocities in Africa. He is the author of The Postcolonial African Genocide Novel: Quests for Meaningfulness, published in 2021 by Liverpool University Press.
Dr. Dzifa Dordunoo | Associate Professor |University of Victoria Canada
Dzifa Dordunoo PhD, RN, a native of Dzodze, Ghana, has spent the past 15 years as a nurse educator before transferring to the department of Anthropology. Having began her teaching career in 2011 as a clinical instructor at John Hopkins School of Nursing, she later taught at the University of Maryland, School of Nursing before joining the UVic School of Nursing in 2017 – 2025 (April). Within the department of anthropology, she teaches global health and courses that explore health anthropology with focus on the bio-cultural factors that drives patient outcomes. Her research interests include Quality & Safety, Inpatient nursing care processes, Cardiovascular disease (heart failure), Sickle cell disease, Dissemination & Implementation science, Quality improvement, Global health nursing, Critical care and Health information technology. Dr Dordunoo earned her bachelor’s degree (with distinction) from University of Victoria (Canada) and holds a master’s degree from Duke University (USA) with post-master’s certificate in clinical research management and teaching. She completed her doctoral education at the University of Maryland Baltimore (USA).
Dr. Kwesi Yaro | Associate Professor | University of Alberta
Dr. Kwesi Yaro is an Associate Professor of mathematics education at the Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. His research interest is broadly informed by situated, cultural, and critical perspectives in mathematics education. These perspectives are exemplified in his ongoing Insight Development Grant (IDG) (Principal Investigator), Partnership grant (Co-Investigator) funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and other agencies. His works focus on 1) pedagogical approaches for teaching mathematics for social justice & sustainable futures, and 2) the use of African Indigenous Knowledge to elucidate Sub-Saharan African immigrant mathematics learning experiences. He is the recipient of 2024 University of Alberta Faculty of Education Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award.
What to Expect:
- Insightful stories from current and former students of African descents in Canada
- Candid conversations on culture shock, mental health, scholarships, and academic success
- Practical tips to thrive socially, academically, and emotionally in a new environment
- Opportunities to build your network and ask real-time questions
- A warm and empowering community that sees and supports you
Special Highlight!
The first 10 students to register AND follow us on at least 3 of our social media handles will be:
- Recognized during the webinar
- Receive a special shout-out or eligible for surprise giveaways!
Stay Connected and Join US
Loy Excellentia is building one of the leading student success initiatives for African, Caribbean, and Black students in Canada. We’re here to inform, empower, and walk with you every step of the way.
Follow us on social media to qualify for the special recognition and become part of this growing community:
Instagram: [@LoyExcellentia]
Facebook: [@LoyExcellentia]
LinkedIn: [Loy Excellentia]
X: [@LoyExcellentia] Youtube [@LoyExcellentia] Tag your friends. Share the link. Let’s grow together.
Final Word
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. There’s a whole community waiting to support you, celebrate you, and succeed with you. Join us for BASIC SERIES 1. Let’s make this journey not just bearable, but beautiful.
Register now and help shape the future of Black excellence in Canada.