In a rousing celebration of a legacy of academic excellence, the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, in collaboration with the family of Late Professor Unionmwan Joseph Edebiri, OFR, hosted a memorial lecture and book presentation in his honour on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Held at the Rahamon A. Bello Auditorium, the event spotlighted two of his most recent scholarly contributions “Le Langue Français et la Littérature Africaine Francophone au Nigeria” and “Literary and Translation Studies in Africa”, which were both published in 2023 and marked the zenith of an illustrious academic career that spanned five decades.
The event featured a review of the two seminal works of Professor Edebiri. The first, written in French, was reviewed by Professor Remi Sonaiya, while the second was reviewed by Professor Abiola Ajayi, who represented the Director of the Nigeria French Language Village, Professor Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru.
There were heartfelt tributes from attendees, who reflected on the life of Prof. Edebiri and his achievements, attesting to his legacy which continues to light the path for future generations.
Among those who paid tributes were a two-time Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major-General Nwachukwu and renowned Chemical Engineering Teacher, Emeritus Professor Ayo Ogunye, who described Edebiri as a brilliant scholar and a go-getter whose contributions to academia remain unmatched.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Jonathan Oluwole Coker, OON, described him as “a rare beacon of intellectual brilliance whose works will resonate through generations.”
Ambassador Jonathan Oluwole Coker’s distinguished diplomatic career, which included tenures in Guinea, Argentina, Switzerland, Côte d’Ivoire, and China, provided a backdrop for his reflections on Edebiri’s global influence.
The seasoned diplomat who served Nigeria for 35 years, spoke passionately of Edebiri’s intellectual legacy and the significant role he played in elevating the standard of African scholarship, both locally and internationally.
Representative of the Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mudashiru Akanbi Ilupeju, fondly remembered Edebiri as a teacher and mentor who set high standard for his students. He shared how Edebiri’s guidance and unwavering support had been instrumental in shaping his academic path, leaving an indelible mark on his professional life.
It was to that end that, as Dean, he spearheaded the publication of the latest edition of the Faculty of Arts Eureka UNILAG which he presented as a special edition in honour of the late French professor.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled, “The Intellectual and Society: The Nature, Role, and Importance of a Humanities Education in Nigeria,” the Guest Speaker, Professor Tabure Ojaide, NNOM, FNAL reflected on the essential role of intellectuals in society.
He drew on historical and contemporary perspectives to explore the role of scholars in challenging societal norms and engaging in meaningful discourse. He cited the former President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, whose famous assertion that intellectuals must remain independent and provocative resonated deeply with the occasion.
Ojaide lamented the current lack of bold intellectual voices in Nigeria, a void that Edebiri’s work had continually sought to fill.
The Frank Porter Graham Professor of African Studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, USA concluded by celebrating Edebiri’s contributions to multilingualism, translation, and writing; acknowledging him as a true intellectual and a humanist who had a profound influence on public discourse and education.
Children of late Professor Edebiri also shared moving tributes, highlighting how their father had been an enduring source of inspiration and guidance. The eldest child, Mrs. Edugie Amihere, presented a touching biography celebrating his life and achievements, while Mr. Uyi Edebiri expressed gratitude to attendees by delivering the vote of thanks.
Mrs. Efe Farinre, speaking on behalf of the family, described her father as an enduring source of inspiration and guidance, both within and beyond the academic sphere. She expressed deep gratitude for the continued support from friends and associates, emphasizing how the event reinforced the impact of her father’s legacy.
Mrs. Farinre also announced the inauguration of the Professor Unionmwan Edebiri Prize for Best Student in Francophone Literature by the family. The prize, which honours Prof. Edebiri’s dedication to mentoring young scholars, was presented to Miss Motunrayo Adesibikan, a student of the University of Lagos.
Similarly in honour of his contributions, the Old Students Association of Urhobo College established a lifetime endowment fund of N100, 000 each for the best students in Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary School (SS3). The announcement was made by the President of the Association, Mr. Kingsley Abekware who described Professor Edebiri as a shining light and a proud legacy in the institution’s history.
The event was a deserving celebration of Professor Unionmwan Edebiri’s legacy as a scholar, teacher, and intellectual giant whose invaluable contributions to academia and humanity will continue to inspire future generations.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Bolutife Adeniran
