Abuja: The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, has called on educational institutions in Nigeria to initiate programmes that promote creative writing to inspire and nurture the next generation of writers. Fawehinmi made the call at the April edition of the Reading and Writers Dialogue on Saturday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the dialogue, held at Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, is a flagship programme of the Abuja Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) that brings together authors, literary enthusiasts, and students. The vice-chancellor featured as the special guest at the event themed, ‘The Role of Educational Institutions in Fostering Human Progress Through the Written Craft.’
He emphasized that every great civilization in human history has been built on the written word, highlighting how writing has preserved knowledge, transmitted culture, shaped discourse, and driven human progress. Fawehinmi urged educational institutions to provide enabling environments and champion initiatives that would inspire emerging writers to preserve storytelling traditions.
‘Educational institutions in Nigeria, including our universities, have not always lived up to their responsibility to the written craft. We have produced graduates who struggle to write a coherent letter. We have celebrated certificates while neglecting the culture of reading. We have built examination halls while allowing libraries to decline. We are witnessing a shift in which social media platforms increasingly dominate how information is consumed, often at the expense of sustained reading and critical thought. I think this must change,’ he said.
The vice-chancellor reaffirmed the University of Abuja’s commitment, under his administration, to strengthening library systems and expanding access to knowledge resources. He noted that the institution operates a Centre for Creative Writing in addition to departments such as English, Theatre Arts, and the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
Fawehinmi commended the ANA Abuja Chapter for sustaining literary culture through the monthly dialogue platform. ‘I commend the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja Chapter, for the vital role you continue to play in sustaining literary culture. I am particularly proud that many of our scholars at the University are active members of this association, contributing both intellectually and creatively to national discourse. Through your work, you continue to tell our stories in ways that preserve culture and strengthen the nation.’
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ANA Abuja, Mr. Chukwudi Eze, stated that the Reading and Writers Dialogue formed part of the association’s efforts to promote narratives that would foster national development. Eze praised Fawehinmi for his contributions to education, noting that the theme of the dialogue spoke to Nigeria’s collective advancement.
The dialogue featured a discussion panel with literary scholars, including Prof. Udenta Udenta, Prof. Vicky Sylvester, and Fawehinmi. The event also showcased spoken word performances, songs, poetry, and other presentations by students, along with awards to outstanding student writers and poets.
Onyinyechi Ifeanyi, a student of Flourish Academy, Mpape, emerged as the winner of the maiden Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi Prose and Poetry Prize. Speaking with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Ifeanyi expressed appreciation to ANA for the opportunity. ‘I want to say thank you to the Association of Nigerian Authors for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent. You made me understand that I have to believe in myself, and I am so excited,’ she said.