Ilorin, like Abu Dhabi, embodies global culture

World-renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has described Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as a cultural melting pot, likening the Emirate City’s unique blend of diverse traditions and values to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The prolific author made this observation during his visit to the University of Ilorin, where he participated in events marking the institution’s maiden Culture Week, organised by its Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), Professor Soyinka described Ilorin as a meeting point of cultures, making it a highly significant location for hosting an event that celebrates cultural diversity.

He noted that the significance of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts’ programme transcends both the university and its host community, as it holds broader implications for global understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Drawing from his experience as a Professor of Arts and Literature at New York University, Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), the scholar of Comparative Literature highlighted the similarities between Ilorin and Abu Dhabi.

While pointing out that Abu Dhabi thrives on the expression of unity through various cultural traditions—a concept he considers fundamental to human existence—Professor Soyinka said that since he began teaching in Abu Dhabi, he has come to see Ilorin as a microcosm of what the Emirate represents: a dynamic intersection of global cultures.

He commended the University of Ilorin for promoting global ecumenism and pledged his commitment to contributing, in his own way, to the continuity and advancement of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts. He added that his life’s work has always revolved around arts and culture.

Earlier, while welcoming the literary icon to the university, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Egbewole, said the university does not take Professor Soyinka’s visit for granted, describing it as a moment of pride and historical importance for the institution. Speaking on behalf of the university’s management team, he expressed the collective joy of the academic community at hosting a global cultural figure of Soyinka’s stature.

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The Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law noted that the establishment of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts was inspired by a vision that aligns closely with Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to the arts and humanities.

He disclosed that the Centre was, in fact, conceptualised with figures like Professor Soyinka in mind, saying the initiative was borne out of a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to cultural scholarship and global discourse.

Professor Egbewole explained that the vision for the Centre had been nurtured over time and has now materialised, with students enrolled in programmes at various levels, including Diploma, Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

The Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that the Centre would grow to become one of the foremost institutions of its kind globally, especially with the involvement and endorsement of Professor Soyinka.

He also commended the Director of the Centre, Professor Raymond Ogunade, for taking on the responsibility of leading the initiative and steering it towards early success.

In his own remarks, Professor Ogunade expressed deep satisfaction at the realisation of his dream to bring Professor Soyinka to the University of Ilorin. He said it was a natural desire upon assuming office as pioneer Director to ensure Soyinka’s involvement in the Centre’s development, given his immense contributions to the world of arts and letters.

He described the Nobel Laureate’s presence at the university as both a personal and professional fulfilment, noting that Professor Soyinka’s participation in the Centre’s activities marks a significant milestone in its history and growth.

The Vice Chancellor was joined in receiving the distinguished scholar by the Principal Officers, Council Members, Committee of Provost and Deans, Directors, staff of the Centre, and other members of the university community.

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