The LIBSENSE Early Career Researchers (ECR) Leadership Workshop, held in Nigeria on April 28–29, 2026 , was more than just a training workshop – it was a strategic investment in the future of Open Science leadership across West Africa. Co-created by LIBSENSE and the University of Sheffield, the pilot brought together thirty(30) Early Career Researchers and librarians from Nigeria and Ghana who share a commitment to fostering more open, collaborative, and responsible research practices within their institutions. As an Early Career Researcher, I found that participating in the programme reinforced my belief that ECRs are uniquely positioned to drive institutional change. We are the next generation of academics, researchers, and university leaders, making our engagement essential to the development of sustainable research cultures. What stood out most was the programme’s emphasis on practical implementation rather than theory. Through action plans, impact toolkits, and insights shared by experienced LIBSENSE ECR champions, we were equipped with concrete strategies to become advocates, peer educators, and community builders capable of advancing Open Science within our departments and institutions through vibrant communities of practice. The long-term potential of this leadership pilot is significant. By empowering ECRs to establish and strengthen institutional communities of practice, the initiative lays the foundation for improved knowledge sharing, greater visibility of research outputs, stronger institutional capacity, and broader participation by Nigerian universities in the global Open Science movement. Over time, these efforts can contribute to meaningful shifts in institutional research culture, where openness, collaboration, and responsible research practices become the norm rather than the exception. Beyond institutional change, the pilot also complements broader national efforts to strengthen Open Science in Nigeria. The experiences, lessons, and outcomes generated through the programme can inform the work of the National Open Access Coordination Council by supporting greater alignment between policy, institutional practice, research infrastructure, and funding frameworks. Such alignment is essential for building sustainable, institution-led Open Access publishing ecosystems. The workshop also reflected LIBSENSE’s broader mission of strengthening research and scholarly communication systems across West Africa. Given the scale and influence of Nigerian universities within the region, increased participation in Open Science initiatives has the potential to significantly enhance the visibility, accessibility, and global impact of Nigerian – and indeed – African research. Ultimately, the LIBSENSE ECR Leadership Pilot was far more than a capacity-building exercise. It marked an important step towards cultivating a new generation of research leaders who are equipped to champion openness, equity, collaboration, and the free exchange of knowledge. By investing in Early Career Researchers today, LIBSENSE is helping shape a more inclusive, connected, and impactful research ecosystem for Africa tomorrow.
