Wilbert Gobbo | Theology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Wilbert Gobbo | Theology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wilbert Gobbo | Theology – Lecturer and Researcher at School of Religion, Philosophy & Classics, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Dr. Wilbert Gobbo is an esteemed lecturer and researcher specializing in philosophy and theology. His academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions, and his contributions to religious scholarship are widely recognized. Currently, he serves as a lecturer and research supervisor at the School of Religion, Philosophy & Classics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and St. Josephā€™s Theological Institute. With a deep commitment to academia, Dr. Gobbo has played a pivotal role in advancing theological discourse and fostering scholarly research. His passion for religious studies and philosophical inquiry is evident in his extensive research projects and numerous publications.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Gobbo holds multiple advanced degrees in philosophy and theology. He earned his Bachelor of Philosophy from Urbaniana Pontifical University, Italy, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theology from Middlesex University, United Kingdom. His theological training continued with an S.T.B. from the University of Leuven, Belgium, followed by a Master of Theology from the University of London. Dr. Gobbo further pursued specialization with an S.T.L. from Heythrop College, Bellarmine Institute, and ultimately achieved a Ph.D. in Philosophy and an S.T.D. in Theology from the University of London. His academic background reflects his interdisciplinary approach to religious and philosophical studies.

Experience

Dr. Gobbo has held significant academic and administrative roles across various institutions. At the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he lectures on postgraduate courses such as Psychology and Spirituality and Christian Spirituality while supervising Masterā€™s and Ph.D. research projects. Simultaneously, he serves as a lecturer and research coordinator at St. Joseph Theological Institute, covering topics such as Sacramental Theology, Christian Spiritualities, and Theology of Liberation. His past roles include external examiner positions at St. John Vianney Seminary, St. Augustine College, and Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary. Additionally, he has contributed extensively as a researcher in international theological projects, notably the Vatican II Legacy and Mandate initiative.

Research Interests

Dr. Gobboā€™s research interests lie at the intersection of philosophy, theology, and spirituality. His work delves into Christian theology, Trinitarian studies, African theological perspectives, and the Vatican II legacy. He is particularly interested in the implications of theological doctrines for contemporary religious practices and societal transformation. His participation in the international research project on Vatican II documents underscores his commitment to deepening theological discourse across global communities.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Gobboā€™s contributions to academia have earned him recognition within theological and philosophical circles. He is an active member of Theologians of Southern Africa and the Council on Higher Education (CHE), where he engages in quality assurance frameworks for academic institutions. His scholarly excellence is evident in his leadership roles in research projects and collaborative theological initiatives.

Publications šŸ“š

Gobbo, Wilbert (2016). Critique of the Trinitarian Social Model of Leonardo Boff: Small Christian Communities of the Archdiocese of Tabora in Tanzania, a Case Study. SaarbrĆ¼cken: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. šŸ“–
Gobbo, Wilbert (2014). The Lukan Beatific Vision (Lk 6:20-23): Its Implications for Evangelical Mission Today. SaarbrĆ¼cken: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. āœļø
Gobbo, Wilbert (2006). La foi chrĆ©tienne: Un trĆ©sor ChrĆ©tien sur la radio Anfani. Niamey: Defi-Service. šŸŽ™ļø
Gobbo, Wilbert. (Year). “ThĆ©ologie africaine et la thĆ©ologie en Afrique de lā€™Est,” CEREPTI, 1er CongrĆØs ThĆ©ologique Ivoirien. šŸ“œ
Gobbo, Wilbert. (Year). “Research Methodology in Academic and Pastoral Contexts,” Journal of Theological Studies. šŸ›ļø
Gobbo, Wilbert. (Year). “Eschatology and Contextual Theologies,” African Journal of Christian Studies. šŸ”
Gobbo, Wilbert. (Year). “Holy Trinity and Ecclesiology,” Theological Review of Africa. šŸŒ

Conclusion

Dr. Wilbert Gobboā€™s illustrious academic career and extensive research contributions make him a distinguished figure in theology and philosophy. His dedication to theological education, research supervision, and scholarly publications has significantly enriched religious studies. His involvement in international theological projects further underscores his impact on global Christian thought. As a lecturer, researcher, and academic coordinator, Dr. Gobbo continues to inspire and mentor future scholars, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary theological discourse.

 

Dr. Murtala Ibrahim | Religious Studies | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Murtala Ibrahim |Religious Studies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Murtala Ibrahim, Eberhard Karl University of TĆ¼bingen, Germany

Murtala Ibrahim is a scholar in Religious Studies with expertise in African religion, digital religious practices, and interreligious dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. from Utrecht University, specializing in Nigerian Pentecostal and Islamic movements. His work addresses how religion intersects with modernity, technology, and socio-political challenges. Ibrahim has received several prestigious fellowships and grants, including a postdoctoral fellowship from Utrecht University. He currently serves as an adjunct lecturer at Eberhard Karl University of TĆ¼bingen and is recognized for his contributions to religious studies, particularly in the African context. šŸŒšŸ“ššŸ”¬

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

Murtala Ibrahim is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, owing to his impressive academic background, extensive research contributions, and notable professional development in the field of Religious Studies. His specialized focus on African religion, particularly Nigerian Pentecostalism and Islam, along with his exploration of the intersection between religion and modernity, makes his work highly relevant and impactful.

Education & Experience

  • PhD in Religious Studies, Utrecht University (2012ā€“2017) šŸŽ“
  • MA in Sociology of Religion, University of Jos (2010ā€“2012) šŸ“–
  • BA in Religious Studies, University of Jos (2004ā€“2008) šŸŽ“
  • Diploma in Computer Studies, ATBU Bauchi (1998ā€“1999) šŸ’»

Professional Development

Murtala Ibrahim’s research has earned him prestigious fellowships and grants, including the DFG Own Position (2025) and Global Encounter Fellowship (2024ā€“2025). His work focuses on exploring religious practices in Nigeria, especially among Pentecostal and Islamic movements. Ibrahim has presented his findings at various international conferences, highlighting topics like the intersection of religion and technology in African contexts. He has mentored students and contributed to academic journals, with a growing impact on religious studies in the digital age. šŸŒšŸ’¼šŸ“ˆ

Research Focus

Ibrahim’s research explores religious practices in Africa, particularly Pentecostalism and Islam. He focuses on the intersection of religion with modernity, media, and digital infrastructure, examining how these dynamics affect religious authority and community life. His work also investigates urban religious movements, vigilante governance, and the use of digital platforms in religious practice. Ibrahimā€™s comparative studies emphasize how religious diversity fosters interfaith borrowing and transformation. His studies contribute to a deeper understanding of African religious landscapes and their adaptation to global influences. šŸ”šŸ“²šŸ•Œ

Awards & Honors

  • DFG Own Position, Research Grant (ā‚¬400,517), Freie University Berlin (2025) šŸ…
  • Global Encounter Fellowship, Eberhard Karl University of TĆ¼bingen (2024ā€“2025) šŸŒŸ
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Cultural Anthropology, Utrecht University (2020ā€“2023) šŸŽ“
  • HONORS Fellowship, Dahlem Research School, Freie University Berlin (2018ā€“2019) šŸ†
  • PhD Scholarship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2012ā€“2017) šŸŽ“

Publication Top Notes:

  • šŸ“„ Pentecostalism and media in Africa: Theoretical explorations of power and agency of media platforms and their users
    • Cited by: 2
  • šŸ“„ The clash of sound, image and light: inter- and intra-religious entanglements and contestations during MawlÅ«d celebrations in the city of Jos, Nigeria
    • Cited by: 2
  • šŸ“š Sensational Piety: Practices of Mediation in Islamic and Pentecostal Movements in Abuja, Nigeria
    • Cited by: 1
  • šŸ“„ Oral transmission of the sacred: Preaching in Christ Embassy and nasfat in Abuja
    • Cited by: 5
  • šŸ“„ Curtailed Worship, Conspiracy Theories, and Hollywood Dystopias: Reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Reformist Muslims and Pentecostal Christians in Nigeria