The University of Ibadan (UI) has inaugurated the Wole Soyinka Institute to immortalise one of its most distinguished alumni and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Oluwole Soyinka, as part of its 76th Founders’ Day celebration.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, announced the establishment of the institute following a special performance of Soyinka’s latest play, “Canticles: A Pyre Foretold”, at the Wole Soyinka Theatre (formerly the Arts Theatre).
The 50-man cast production, directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, a former Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, had its premiere on November 17 as this year’s Convocation Play.
Prof. Adebowale explained that the institute is envisioned as a global hub for research, performance, teaching, and exchange programs focused on Soyinka’s life, works, and ideas.
He noted that the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to celebrating and immortalizing one of its greatest icons.
He said: “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.
“It shall midwife global discourses as fierce and simultaneously humanising as the politics, ideology, philosophy, and ideas of the legend, Wole Soyinka. Through the gravitation of the minds and psyche of young thinkers and researchers across races, the institute shall be Africa’s major contribution to the intellectual understanding of the human race into centuries to come.”
The VC praised Soyinka’s prowess as a creative thinker, philosopher, and fighter for the civil and human rights of individuals and the collective.
While highlighting Soyinka’s contributions to the university community and his global achievements, including his recognition as the first African Nobel laureate, Prof. Adebowale noted that despite the extensive celebrations of Soyinka’s 90th birthday worldwide since July 13, the University of Ibadan is determined to hold its celebration to honour Professor Wole Soyinka’s remarkable milestone.
“He means so much to our university. He is not just one of our institution’s most visible products, he has brought the highest recognition to the University of Ibadan and gave her an exceptional place on the global map of academic and creative reckoning.
“The announcement of Professor Wole Soyinka in 1986 by the Nobel Foundation as the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, and as the first African to have won the award, topped the numerous honours which he has brought to his Alma Mater.”
At the University of Ibadan’s 76th Founders’ Day celebration, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka was honoured with the prestigious PINK International Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literary Excellence and Social Impact.
The award was presented by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, president of WOMEN ARISE for CHANGE, with support from Dr. Veronica Okei, initiator of the PINK Award, and UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.
In her address, Princess (Dr.) Veronica Okei explained that Soyinka was chosen for the award’s 11th anniversary and 6th annual edition because he embodied the excellence and values championed by the magazine.
“Soyinka represents a symbol of inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved through passion, dedication, and talent,” she said.
Dr. Okei-Odumakin praised Soyinka’s six decades of activism, often pursued at significant personal risk, describing him as an epitome of revolution, resilience, and unwavering commitment to human rights and collective humanity.
Soyinka expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the university community for the recognition and reaffirmed his dedication to the cause of humanity.
He also commended the students for their exceptional rendition of his play, “Canticles: A Pyre Foretold,” adding that the performance was evidence of the University of Ibadan’s reputation for excellence in creative arts.
“Canticles: A Pyre Foretold”
The play, written by Soyinka during his tenure as a scholar at New York University, Abu Dhabi, critiques religious extremism and bigotry, particularly in Nigeria.
