The University of Ibadan (UI) has inaugurated the Wole Soyinka Institute to honor one of its most illustrious alumni and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, during a special performance of Soyinka’s latest play, Canticles: A Pyre Foretold, held at the Wole Soyinka Theatre (formerly the Arts Theatre).
The play, directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, a former Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, featured a 50-member cast and premiered as the university’s 2023 Convocation Play on November 17.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Adebowale described the Wole Soyinka Institute as a global center for research, performance, teaching, and exchange programs focused on the life, works, and ideas of the literary icon.
“For our institution, the Wole Soyinka Institute shall function as a window of seeing the world through new prisms,” Adebowale said. “It shall midwife global discourses as fierce and simultaneously humanizing as the politics, ideology, and philosophy of the legend, Wole Soyinka. Through this platform, we aim to renegotiate the global status of our nation, the African continent, and the entire black humanity.”
He highlighted Soyinka’s enduring contributions to the university, describing him as a philosopher, creative thinker, and champion of civil and human rights. “He has brought unparalleled recognition to the University of Ibadan, cementing its position on the global map of academic and creative excellence,” he said.
Prof. Adebowale also noted that despite numerous global celebrations marking Soyinka’s 90th birthday on July 13, UI had chosen to honor its celebrated alumnus in its unique way.
In addition to inaugurating the institute, the university presented Soyinka with the prestigious PINK International Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literary Excellence and Social Impact during the Founders’ Day event. The award, celebrating its 11th anniversary and 6th annual edition, 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 Prof. Adebowale.
Princess (Dr.) Veronica Okei praised Soyinka as a symbol of excellence and an embodiment of passion and dedication. “Soyinka represents a testament to what can be achieved through talent and unwavering commitment,” she said.
Dr. Okei-Odumakin lauded the laureate’s six decades of activism, often pursued at great personal risk, calling him an epitome of revolution and resilience.
In his remarks, Soyinka expressed gratitude to the university for the recognition and praised the students for their stellar performance of Canticles: A Pyre Foretold. “Their performance is a testament to the University of Ibadan’s tradition of excellence in creative arts,” he said.
The play had previously been staged at NYU Abu Dhabi under the direction of Prof. Joanna Settle, who earlier visited Nigeria to deepen her understanding of Soyinka’s works. Reflecting on the students’ rendition, Soyinka noted its brilliance and commended UI’s enduring legacy in theatre and literary arts.
The inauguration of the Wole Soyinka Institute cements the university’s commitment to preserving the legacy of a global icon and fostering intellectual growth inspired by his works and ideals.
