Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation
adeyemi bukola oyeniyi
As participants make their ways to the US from three different continents for the Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation, exalted members of the academy continue to share their minds and thoughts on the celebrant, most fundamentally his contributions to global development. Below is Professor Oyebade, one of men of letters who, some years back, crafted books in his honor. In this new book celebrating Professor Falola at "Sixty pere", Professor Oyebade provided insights into 'the obscure years' of Professor Falola's life.
The taste of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. Read on...
Refelections on Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation
There is a significant body of critical works on Prof. Toyin Falola’s scholarly contribution to African history, in particular, and the development of Africana studies in general. At least, a number of such works are available in chapters in the biographical volume, The Man, the Mask, the Muse, edited by Prof. Niyi Afolabi; and in three festschrifts namely, The Foundations of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola, and The Transformation of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola, both edited by Prof. Adebayo Oyebade, and, Precolonial Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola, edited by Prof. Akinwumi Ogundiran.
The literature on Falola’s place in the development of academic history has, however, focused mainly on his later career years, particularly at Austin. This is understandable, for it was at this period that his career reached full maturity. Over ninety percent of his more than hundred books were published during the years in question. It was also during this time period that virtually all his numerous distinguished academic and teaching awards came. In essence, less known, and less articulated in the various studies that have been done on him and his works, is his early career. Prof. Adebayo Oyebade’s presentation at the Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation is intended to address this gap. Titled, “Path to Stardom: The Early Career of Professor Toyin Falola,” Prof. Oyebade will present a biographical sketch of his early life and career. The presentation will argue that this period of his life is critical for an understanding of his emergence as a scholar of the first order. These were years that prepared him for stardom, years in which the groundwork for his later success was laid. Prof. Oyebade will examine Falola’s college days as an undergraduate, and later graduate student at Obafemi Awolowo University, (formerly University of Ife) Nigeria; and his early career as an academic at the same university. The presentation will conclude with Prof. Falola’s continued connections to his roots, Ibadan, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, despite years of residence abroad.
To fully define Toyin Falola is certainly not an easy task. But to comprehend the making of this accomplished scholar, an understanding of the road he has treaded to scholarly stardom is imperative. Prof. Oyebade will situate his presentation within the historical context and the cultural milieu in which Falola grew up, and the intellectual tradition in which his academic career commenced and took shape in the 1980s.
Adebayo Oyebade is professor of history at Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee. His published works include seven books among which are Culture and Customs of Angola (authored), published by Greenwood, 2007; and Hot Spot: Sub- Saharan Africa (co-authored with Toyin Falola), published by Greenwood, 2010. His latest publication is, The United States’ Foreign Policy in Africa in the 21st Century (edited), forthcoming with Carolina Academic Press, 2014.
adeyemi bukola oyeniyi
From: "Abiodun Salawu" <salawu...@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 8, 2013 4:26 AM
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation
To: "adeyemi bukola oyeniyi" <oyen...@gmail.com>
Cc:
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Department of Communication
North-West University
Mafikeng Campus
Private Bag X2046
Mmabatho 2735
South Africa
Telephone: +27 18 389 2238
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Emeagwali, Gloria (History)
Nigerian university system of the 70s, consistency, hard work, determination, commitment
and a passion for history.
Between 1984, when I first met him, three decades ago, and 2013
these values have remained supreme. After reading Ibadan and his earliest works of the 1980s,
many of us, his colleagues at the time, realized that he was a dedicated historian.
So I look forward to Professor Oyebade's paper.
Professor Gloria Emeagwali
Prof. of History & African Studies
History Department
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain
CT 06050
africahistory.net
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos
Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora
________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of adeyemi bukola oyeniyi [oyen...@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 6:58 AM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com; Yoruba Affairs
Subject: Fwd: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Abiodun Salawu" <salawu...@gmail.com<mailto:salawu...@gmail.com>>
Date: Oct 8, 2013 4:26 AM
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation
To: "adeyemi bukola oyeniyi" <oyen...@gmail.com<mailto:oyen...@gmail.com>>
Cc:
I have not really met Professor Toyin Falola but I heard very much about him as an undergraduate in the 80s in the then University of Ife.
The little I have also known about Prof. Falola in the recent time convinced me that he is an enigma. He comes across to me not just as an inspiration but more of a challenge. His academic achievements are such that I cannot fathom. I keep asking myself how possible is it for a man of 60 years (pere) to have done such. Where does the energy come from? Doesn't he sleep? Doesn't he feel tired or ill at any time? Are there no other things that engage his time - family, spiritual matters, leisure, socials etc?
People have given a number of sobriquets. I can only add that to me, he is an anjonnu (spirit being) and an abami (strange being) (apolgy to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti).
Professor Falola, as you mark your sixtieth on earth, I say k'ara o le o (receive strength). Igba odun, odun kan ni (you shall be satisfied with long life).
Professor Abiodun Salawu
Department of Communication
North-West University
South Africa.
As participants make their ways to the US from three different continents for the Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation, exalted members of the academy continue to share their minds and thoughts on the celebrant, most fundamentally his contributions to global development. Below is Professor Oyebade, one of men of letters who, some years back, crafted books in his honor. In this new book celebrating Professor Falola at "Sixty pere", Professor Oyebade provided insights into 'the obscure years' of Professor Falola's life.
The taste of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. Read on...
Refelections on Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation
There is a significant body of critical works on Prof. Toyin Falola’s scholarly contribution to African history, in particular, and the development of Africana studies in general. At least, a number of such works are available in chapters in the biographical volume, The Man, the Mask, the Muse, edited by Prof. Niyi Afolabi; and in three festschrifts namely, The Foundations of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola, and The Transformation of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola, both edited by Prof. Adebayo Oyebade, and, Precolonial Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola, edited by Prof. Akinwumi Ogundiran.
The literature on Falola’s place in the development of academic history has, however, focused mainly on his later career years, particularly at Austin. This is understandable, for it was at this period that his career reached full maturity. Over ninety percent of his more than hundred books were published during the years in question. It was also during this time period that virtually all his numerous distinguished academic and teaching awards came. In essence, less known, and less articulated in the various studies that have been done on him and his works, is his early career. Prof. Adebayo Oyebade’s presentation at the Falola @ 60 Conference and Book Presentation is intended to address this gap. Titled, “Path to Stardom: The Early Career of Professor Toyin Falola,” Prof. Oyebade will present a biographical sketch of his early life and career. The presentation will argue that this period of his life is critical for an understanding of his emergence as a scholar of the first order. These were years that prepared him for stardom, years in which the groundwork for his later success was laid. Prof. Oyebade will examine Falola’s college days as an undergraduate, and later graduate student at Obafemi Awolowo University, (formerly University of Ife) Nigeria; and his early career as an academic at the same university. The presentation will conclude with Prof. Falola’s continued connections to his roots, Ibadan, in particular, and Nigeria, in general, despite years of residence abroad.
To fully define Toyin Falola is certainly not an easy task. But to comprehend the making of this accomplished scholar, an understanding of the road he has treaded to scholarly stardom is imperative. Prof. Oyebade will situate his presentation within the historical context and the cultural milieu in which Falola grew up, and the intellectual tradition in which his academic career commenced and took shape in the 1980s.
Adebayo Oyebade is professor of history at Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee. His published works include seven books among which are Culture and Customs of Angola (authored), published by Greenwood, 2007; and Hot Spot: Sub- Saharan Africa (co-authored with Toyin Falola), published by Greenwood, 2010. His latest publication is, The United States’ Foreign Policy in Africa in the 21st Century (edited), forthcoming with Carolina Academic Press, 2014.
Bukola Adeyemi Oyeniyi
Department of History
Strong Building, Room 440,
Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65897
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You received this message because you are subscribed to the "USA-Africa Dialogue Series" moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin.
For current archives, visit http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
For previous archives, visit http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
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Professor Abiodun Salawu, PhD
Professor of Journalism, Communication and Media Studies
Department of Communication
North-West University
Mafikeng Campus
Private Bag X2046
Mmabatho 2735
South Africa
E-mail: abiodun...@nwu.ac.za<mailto:abiodun...@nwu.ac.za>
salawu...@gmail.com<mailto:salawu...@gmail.com>
salawu...@yahoo.com<mailto:salawu...@yahoo.com>
