Akin Iwilade

Dr Akin Iwilade is a Senior Lecturer in African Studies at the School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh. His research critically examines youth dynamics in African cities, focusing on urban infrastructures, violence, oil extraction, and black identity formation across Africa and its diasporas.

• University of Edinburgh, UK (2024-present)
• Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (previous)
• University of Leeds, UK (previous)

His research integrates critical theory with empirical work on:

• Urban violence and neoliberal cityscapes
• Death practices in youth gangs
• Temporalities of oil extraction
• Blackness and middle-class identity

His recent publications analyze city-time dynamics in Lagos, carceral masculinity, and environmental assessments in West Africa. Awards include the 2014 African Politics Studies Association best article prize.

• Co-Chair, Editorial Board, Critical African Studies (2024-)
• Editor, Canadian Journal of African Studies (2022-)
• Editorial Advisory Board, Journal of Modern African Studies (2023-)

He has received grants from the British Academy, AHRC, SSRC, CODESRIA, and Carnegie Corporation. Current projects include PEACE-LAW (gang violence and legal access) and MOBS (urban crowds and violence).