The University of Ibadan marked a historic milestone by announcing the establishment of the Wole Soyinka Institute during its 76th Foundation Day Anniversary, honoring one of Africa’s most distinguished literary figures and its illustrious alumnus.
Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, following a special performance of Soyinka’s latest play, “CANTICLES: A Pyre Foretold” at the ppppppppppppWole Soyinka Theatre, formerly known as in ppp Arts Theatre.
“The institute shall serve the global community in research, performance, teaching and exchange endeavours on plife, works and ideas related to him,” Professor Adebowale stated. “This is Soyinka’s Alma Mater’s way of lpcelebrating and immortalising him.”
pp announcement came during a momentous event that also saw the 90-year-old Nobel laureate receiving the PINK International Award for “Life Time Accomplishment for Literary Excellence and Social Impact.”
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the institute’s broader significance, saying, “For our institution, the Wole Soyinka Institute shall function as a window of seeing the world through new prisms. The institute shall be a platform for renegotiating global status for our nation, the African continent and the entire black humanity.”
The evening began with a performance of “CANTICLES: A Pyre Foretold,” directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, former Head of Department of Theatre Arts. The 50-man cast production, which premiered on November 17 as the year’s Convocation Play, showcases Soyinka’s continued engagement with contemporary issues, particularly religious extremism.
In presenting the PINK Award, Dr. Joe Odumakin, president of WOMEN ARISE for CHANGE, highlighted Soyinka’s “over 60-decades of activism even at great sacrifices and grave personal risks.” Princess (Dr) Veronica Okei, the award’s initiator, described Soyinka as “a symbol of excellence, a source of inspiration, and a testament to what can be achieved when passion, dedication and talent come together.”
The Vice Chancellor recounted Soyinka’s historic connection to the university, noting that the Arts Theatre, renamed the Wole Soyinka Theatre in 2018, was the first academic theatre building in Africa. “Professor Soyinka had his inter-B.A here at the then University College, Ibadan,” he reminisced, “spending two sessions before going to resume at the University of Leeds.”
The announcement also revealed plans for the university to partner with the Wole Soyinka Foundation in administering the writer’s residence at the Autonomous Republic of Ijegba in Abeokuta, following a recent invitation from Soyinka himself.
Responding to these honors, Soyinka expressed gratitude to the university community and praised the students’ performance, noting that the University of Ibadan is known for “quality productions and outputs.”
