KWASU VC SETS TONE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE and COMMUNITY FOCUS; LAUNCHES TWO BOOKS ON AFRICANITY, ISLAMITY & PERFORMATIVITY AS WELL AS AFRICAN DISCOURSE IN ISLAM, ORAL TRADITION AND PERFORMANCE.

Two books authored by the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah will be launched next Thursday, 18th March, 2010 by the crème de la crème of the elites in Ilorin, Kwara State. The books are titled (1)Africanity, Islamicity, and Performativity: Identity in the House of Ilorin, published by Bayreuth African Studies 88; and  (2) African Discourse in Islam, Oral Traditions, and Performance, published by Routeledge will again stamp the name, culture and people of Ilorin and Kwara state on the international academic map of the world. The launching will take place at the prestigious Kwara State Banquet Hall, opposite Government House, Ilorin and will be graced by eminent Nigerians from Lagos, Abuja and across Nigeria. The Islamic ummah and intelligentsia would also be highly visible at the launching of the books which is Professor Na’Allah’s contribution to generating more harmony in the discourses between the two great religions and the East and the West, globally. By the books, Professor Abdul-Rasheed also seeks to elevate the voice of Africa and African perspectives in global discussions and issues. The books will be reviewed by two eminent literary scholars, Professor Sani Abba Aliyu  from theAhmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Professor Dele Olayiwola of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. The occasion will be mastered by Professor Ayo Akinwale of the Performing Arts department of the University of Ilorin. By this launching, Professor Na’Allah has set the tone for the pursuit of excellence through academic publications, community development and cultural promotion by the staff and faculty of Kwara State University in furtherance of KWASU’s vision of a world class community developing university, as enunciated by the Governor Bukola Saraki’s administration. By this exemplary leadership, the VC has thrown a challenge to the academic and non-academic staff of Kwara State University to embark on the academic tradition of “publish and prosper or don’t publish and perish”. But he adds the caveat that they should make their publications community-centred and value-adding, as according to him, the period when the university as gown stood separate from their home community which is the town is past. Now, he says, universities must be in the forefront of all round societal development, hence KWASU’s use of the Dadakuada and University of Ilorin performing troupes as main entertainers at the forthcoming launching. The Saraki patriarch, Baba Olusola Saraki, Alhaji Arisekola Alao, and Alhaji Lateef  Adegbite are in the fore-front of the epoch-marking launching. But it is an occasion for friends and lovers of Kwara State University, the youngest, most forward looking and probably the most internationalized university in Nigeria, as at today. 

Professor Ahmed Yerima

Head, Performing & Visual Arts

Chair, Launching Committee.

Dr Isah E. Momoh                                                                 

Director, University Relations                                             

Chair, Launching Publicity Committee