Campus News

Why we established Centre for Cultural Studies – Egbewole. …renowned philosopher praises Unilorin for promoting African culture

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has said that his Administration established the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts (CCSCA) to trace and preserve African cultural history as a foundation for a progressive future.

Prof. Egbewole stated this last Wednesday (November 6, 2024) while receiving a team of cultural enthusiasts who visited him in his office ahead of their participation at a symposium on Cultural Renaissance in Nigeria organised by the CCSCA at the University Auditorium.

The Vice Chancellor explained that understanding historical roots is significant in shaping a promising future, saying, “If we do not know where we are coming from, we may not likely know where we are going”. He added that this vision inspired the establishment of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts.

Prof. Egbewole also explained the need for Nigeria and other African countries to embrace their rich cultural heritage as a means of positioning themselves as leaders rather than just following the global trend.

The Vice Chancellor added that for Nigeria to compete on a global level, the country must invest in and celebrate its unique cultural heritage. “While the world should be competing with us as first-generation leaders in culture and creativity, we have abandoned that position. It is time to do things differently”, he submitted.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Raymond Olutoyin Ogunade, applauded the Vice Chancellor for envisioning the establishment of the Centre, which he described as a significant step in cultural preservation and celebration.

To further advance this vision, Prof. Ogunade said that he would table a proposal at the University Senate for an annual “Unilorin Cultural Day.” He said on this day, all members of the University community would be encouraged to wear traditional attires representing their diverse cultures. He also said that this celebration would honour and showcase the wide array of cultural backgrounds present within the University, foster unity and make a show of appreciating the African heritage.

Speaking earlier, the first Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Prof. Ayotunde Isola Bewaji, expressed his admiration for the  groundbreaking initiative of the University of Ilorin to preserve and celebrate African heritage through its newly established Centre for Creative Arts.

Prof. Bewaji noted that the establishment of the Centre was both a surprise and a source of inspiration. “What Unilorin has started surprised me a lot. For years, there has been pressure on me to initiate something similar, yet our attempts to bring this vision to life in other parts of the country were not successful, even with efforts across both northern and southern regions.”

As the President of the Academy of African Indigenous Religions, Theology, and Arts, which was founded two years ago, Prof. Bewaji said he had long advocated for initiatives to promote African cultural values. However, he observed that many individuals and institutions of higher learning remain hesitant to openly embrace and associate with indigenous traditions and values.

Prof. Bewaji, who is one of  Africa’s foremost cultural scholars, said upon hearing of Unilorin’s leadership in advancing African culture, he was both astonished and thrilled. “To see Unilorin blazing the trail in promoting African culture truly surprised me. I am elated to witness this institution setting such an inspiring example,” he said.

Other members of the team that visited the Vice Chancellor were High Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon of the House of Culture, Osogbo; Chief Mrs Abidoye Moradeyo Victoria of Onijo Villa Alakoko, Omu Aran; Major Gen. Ola Ishola Williams (rtd) of PANAFSTNACR, Lagos and Prof. Bio Biguo Bani Leaon from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Bénin.

Joining the Vice Chancellor to receive the guests were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar, College of Health Sciences, Mr Ahmed Siddiq; the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal.