Ahead of its 28th Convocation, Induction of New Members, and Investiture of Fellows, a delegation of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), led by its President, Professor Andrew Haruna, FNAL, on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), venue of this year’s prestigious ceremony.
The visit marks the commencement of activities leading to the Academy’s landmark ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium, UNILAG. The event is expected to bring together distinguished scholars, intellectuals, and eminent personalities from Nigeria and beyond in celebration of excellence in the humanities.
The visiting NAL delegation comprised: Professor Andrew Haruna, President; Professor Sunday Ododo, Vice-President; Professor Olakunbi O. Olasope, MNAL, Secretary, University of Ibadan; Professor Arinpe G. Adejumo, Treasurer; Professor I. B. Ayeleru, Fellow; Emeritus Professor Duro Oni, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), UNILAG, and former President of the Academy; and Emeritus Professor Daniel Ezebaye, former President of the Academy.
The delegation was received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, . Also present were the Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle; University Librarian, Professor Christopher Okiki; and Deputy Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Abolade Akinwunmi.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Haruna expressed the Academy’s appreciation to UNILAG for its longstanding friendship, hospitality, and continued support for NAL and its programmes. He described the relationship between the Academy and UNILAG as enduring and mutually enriching, and expressed delight at returning to the University for the 28th Investiture Ceremony.
Professor Haruna, who also serves as General Secretary of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, spoke warmly of his ties with the University’s leadership and the intellectual relationship between both bodies.
The NAL President, however, acknowledged the sombre mood of the gathering following the recent passing of one of the Academy’s foundation presidents, Professor Ayo Bamgbose. He noted that the loss is deeply felt across the Academy.
In response, Professor Falaiye welcomed the delegation, and commiserated with the Academy over the loss of its members, including Professor A. B. Awobuluyi, another eminent scholar who recently passed away. The gathering observed a minute of silence in honour of the departed scholars.
Professor Falaiye, who is also a Fellow of the Academy, expressed UNILAG’s pleasure at hosting NAL once again. He noted that the relationship transcends institutional affiliation and reflects a shared commitment to scholarship, intellectual exchange, and the advancement of knowledge.
The DVC reaffirmed the University’s readiness to support NAL and other national scholarly bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science and Nigerian Academy of Engineering, whenever opportunities for meaningful collaboration arise.
According to him, UNILAG takes pride in building strong partnerships and fostering intellectual engagement, and remains committed to collaborations that advance scholarship and contribute to national development.
With the Academy’s leadership now at UNILAG, attention turns to Thursday’s investiture, which will bring together leading voices in the humanities to celebrate scholarship, intellectual excellence, and service.
A major highlight of the event will be the conferment of Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Letters on the Chancellor of UNILAG, His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR.The Academy will also confer Honorary Fellowship on Professor Ephraim Olabode Lucas. Professor Emeritus Femi Osofisan will be invested as a Distinguished Life Fellow, while Professor Nwando Achebe will be inducted as an Overseas Fellow.
In the Regular Fellowship category, nine (9) scholars will be inducted, comprising one Regular Fellow for 2025 and eight for 2026. Their induction will further strengthen the community of eminent scholars advancing knowledge and intellectual discourse in the humanities.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Micheal Joshua
