The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has announced its distinguished list of new Regular and Overseas Fellows, along with Honorary Fellows, which notably includes Mr. Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, and recipients of the Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice for 2025.
These significant recognitions were approved at meetings held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, by the College of Fellows and the Executive Committee, respectively.
The formal investiture of the new Fellows and the conferment of awards are scheduled to take place during the Academy’s 27th Convocation on August 14, 2025, at the University of Lagos.
The College of Fellows approved a distinguished list of academics as Regular and Overseas Fellows for the year. In the category of Classical Studies, Philosophy, and Religions, Professor Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole and Professor Temisanren Ebijuwa were elected.
Professor Emeritus Alkasum Abba was recognized for his contributions to Historical Studies.Literary Studies saw the election of Professor Gbemisola Aderemi Adeoti, Professor Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, and Professor Victor Chiagozie Ariole. In the diverse field of Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts, Professor Mohammed Inuwa Umar-Buratai, Professor Ameh Dennis Akoh, and Professor Charles Emeka Nwadigwe were named.
Professor Umaru Alhaji Pate was elected under Communication and Media Studies. Linguistics will see the addition of Professor Gideon Sunday Omachonu and Professor Obiajulu Augustine Emejulu.
Expanding its international reach, Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran, specializing in Historical Studies, was elected as an Overseas Fellow.
Earlier on the same day, the NAL Executive Committee gave its approval for the Honorary Fellows of the Academy for 2025. This esteemed list includes His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha, Agbogidi; Mr. Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo; and Dr. Lasisi Olagunju.
In addition to the fellowships, the Executive Committee also endorsed the recommendations of the Screening Committee for the conferment of the Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice. The deserving recipients of this year’s awards are Mr. Laolu Ogunniyi, Alhaji Teju Wasee Kareem, and Mr. Musa Alao Adedayo.
The upcoming 27th Convocation promises to be a significant event for the academic and cultural landscape of Nigeria, celebrating the profound contributions of these individuals to humanistic scholarship and practice. The Nigerian Academy of Letters continues its mission to promote and maintain high standards of scholarship in the humanities.