By Joshua Olomu
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, has called on educational institutions in Nigeria to initiate programmes that promote creative writing to inspire and nurture the next generation of writers.
Fawehinmi made the call at the April edition of the Reading and Writers Dialogue on Saturday in Abuja.
The dialogue, held at Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, is a flagship programme of the Abuja Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) that brings together authors, literary enthusiasts and students.
The vice-chancellor featured as the special guest at the event themed, “The Role of Educational Institutions in Fostering Human Progress Through the Written Craft.”
According to him, every great civilisation in human history has been built on the written word, adding that writing has preserved knowledge, transmitted culture, shaped discourse and driven human progress.
He urged educational institutions to provide enabling environments and champion initiatives that would inspire emerging writers in order to preserve storytelling traditions.
“Educational institutions in Nigeria, including our universities, have not always lived up to their responsibility to the written craft.
“We have produced graduates who struggle to write a coherent letter. We have celebrated certificates while neglecting the culture of reading. We have built examination halls while allowing libraries to decline.
“We are witnessing a shift in which social media platforms increasingly dominate how information is consumed, often at the expense of sustained reading and critical thought. I think this must change.
“I understand that books alone are not enough. As much as we need books, we must cultivate readers, engage readers from diverse backgrounds, united in purpose and intellectual curiosity,” he said.
The vice-chancellor said the University of Abuja under his administration remained committed to strengthening library systems and expanding access to knowledge resources.
He noted that the institution operates a Centre for Creative Writing in addition to departments such as English, Theatre Arts and the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
Fawehinmi commended the ANA Abuja Chapter for sustaining literary culture through the monthly dialogue platform.
“I commend the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja Chapter, for the vital role you continue to play in sustaining literary culture.
“I am particularly proud that many of our scholars at the University are active members of this association, contributing both intellectually and creatively to national discourse.
“Through your work, you continue to tell our stories in ways that preserve culture and strengthen the nation.
“Chinua Achebe, whose name graces this conference centre, once observed that until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.
“African writers, and indeed Nigerian writers, must continue to tell our stories in our own voices, and on our own terms. This, I believe, is the enduring mission of ANA,” he said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ANA Abuja, Mr Chukwudi Eze, said the Reading and Writers Dialogue formed part of the association’s efforts to promote narratives that would foster national development.
Eze, who lauded Fawehinmi for his contributions to education, said the theme of the dialogue spoke to Nigeria’s collective advancement.
“We meet at a time when societies are increasingly shaped not just by policies and technologies, but by ideas conceived, refined, and preserved through writing.
“Educational institutions are not just centres of instruction; they are the custodians of thought, the incubators of creativity, and the engines that drive sustainable human progress.
“It is from them that the next generation of Chinua Achebes and Wole Soyinkas will emerge.
“Our guest of the month, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, is a distinguished Nigerian academic whose career reflects depth in scholarship, leadership, and intellectual versatility.
“As a professor, his work spans teaching, research, and institutional development, with a strong portfolio in higher education administration and policy advancement.
“It is in response to his act of leadership that ANA Abuja is dedicating a prize in his honour in our monthly events, beginning today,” he said.
NAN reports that the dialogue featured a discussion panel with literary scholars including Prof. Udenta Udenta, Prof. Vicky Sylvester and Fawehinmi.
The event also featured spoken word performances, songs, poetry and other presentations by students and awards to outstanding student writers and poets.
Onyinyechi Ifeanyi, a student of Flourish Academy, Mpape, emerged winner of the maiden Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi Prose and Poetry Prize.
Speaking with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Ifeanyi expressed appreciation to ANA for the opportunity.
“I want to say thank you to the Association of Nigerian Authors for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent.
“You made me understand that I have to believe in myself, and I am so excited,” she said.(NAN)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
