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The Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, will chair the fourth annual colloquium of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in honour of renowned literary scholar, playwright and poet, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi.
A statement from Prof. Adeniyi indicated that the colloquium, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the university’s Multi-Purpose Hall, Felele Campus, Lokoja, Kogi State, is part of activities marking the institution’s 2026 convocation ceremony.
Organised in collaboration with the university’s Department of English and Literary Studies, the event will commence at 12 noon and feature physical and virtual participation.
Themed, “Creativity as Criticism in Olu Obafemi’s Works,” the colloquium will examine how artistic imagination and literary expression can serve as tools for interrogating society, challenging established assumptions and inspiring social change.
Obafemi, a recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit, has made significant contributions to Nigerian literature, theatre, creative writing and literary criticism.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, described the colloquium as a continuing platform for celebrating an outstanding scholar, writer, teacher and mentor.
Ibileye, who acknowledged Obafemi’s influence on his intellectual development, said the initiative was conceived to go beyond ceremonial tributes by sustaining critical engagement with the scholar’s ideas, creative works and contributions to society.
He traced the origin of the colloquium to its inaugural edition in 2023, initiated under his predecessor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi.
According to him, the second and third editions, held in 2024 and 2025 respectively, further established the gathering as an annual platform for intellectual and literary discourse.
The vice-chancellor stressed that the significance of the colloquium extended beyond his personal relationship with the honouree, noting that it provides opportunities for broader discussions on artistic responsibility, education, power, justice, cultural identity and shared humanity.
He explained that this year’s theme would encourage scholars to examine creativity not merely as the production of artistic works but as a critical instrument for interpreting social experiences, exposing contradictions and exploring possibilities for change.
The colloquium will feature presentations by distinguished scholars from Nigerian and international universities, including Professor S. T. Babatunde of the University of Ilorin; Professor Sola Adeyemi of the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom; Professor Ofure Aito of the Federal University Lokoja; and Dr. Funke Aliyu of the University of Ilorin.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Other expected guests include the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole; Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu; Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Professor K. I. T. Eniola; and Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Professor Solomon Ajayi Adebo.
The event is also expected to attract the President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Andrew Haruna, and its Vice-President, Professor Sunday Enessi Ododo; President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi; and Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association, Dr. Wale Okediran.
Others expected include the Chairman of the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), Dr. Adedapo Gbadega, and the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr. Sonny Echono.
The university said the gathering would bring together academics, literary scholars, writers, students and other stakeholders to celebrate Obafemi’s enduring contributions to Nigerian literature, theatre and intellectual development.
