University of Ibadan Establishes Wole Soyinka Institute to Honour The Nobel Laureate
As part of its 76th Foundation Day Anniversary, the University of Ibadan (UI) has launched the Wole Soyinka Institute, honouring one of its most distinguished alumni, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 19, by UI Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale, during a special command performance of Soyinka’s latest play, Canticles: A Pyre Foretold, at the Wole Soyinka Theatre (formerly the Arts Theatre). The play, directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, featured a 50-member cast and premiered as the year’s Convocation Play.
The institute, named after the celebrated poet, dramatist, and human rights activist often referred to as the “Global Humanist,” aims to foster global research, performance, teaching, and intellectual exchange centred on Soyinka’s life, works, and ideas.
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Adebowale described it as a tribute to Soyinka’s enduring legacy:
“The Wole Soyinka Institute shall function as a window for seeing the world through new prisms. It will midwife global discourses that reflect the politics, philosophy, and ideas of this iconic figure, while renegotiating global status for our nation, the African continent, and black humanity.”
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted Soyinka’s contributions as a creative thinker and advocate for human rights, tracing his journey from UI to becoming the first African Nobel laureate in Literature in 1986. He also underscored Soyinka’s role in bringing global recognition to the university.
At the event, Soyinka received the PINK International Award, presented by La Veronica Magazine. The award was handed over by Dr. Joe Odumakin, President of Women Arise for Change, alongside Princess Veronica Okei and Professor Adebowale.
Princess Okei explained that the award recognised Soyinka’s embodiment of excellence, passion, and dedication. Dr. Odumakin praised his six decades of activism, stating:
“Soyinka epitomises resistance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to individual and collective rights, making him a beacon for revolutionary ideals.”
In his remarks, Professor Soyinka expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended the university’s students for their exceptional performance of his play. He reaffirmed his commitment to championing humanity, noting that UI’s legacy of excellence continues to inspire him.
The Wole Soyinka Institute is expected to become a global hub for intellectual engagement, celebrating the life and contributions of one of Africa’s greatest cultural icons.
