The Kwara State University International Conference Centre played host to the 1st memorial lecture in honour of Professor Mary Ebun Modupe Kolawole on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Organized by the Kwara branch of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), the event was a heartfelt commemoration of Professor Kolawole’s profound contributions to literary scholarship and Africanist feminist theory.
The lecture, which drew a notable gathering of literary scholars, academics, and dignitaries, featured Professor Dunmade Ibukun Mosadioluwa from the University of Ilorin as the guest speaker.
Professor Mosadioluwa delivered an enlightening discourse on “Creative Writing, Criticism and the Making of Literary Classics,” offering a deep dive into the intricate processes that underpin the creation of enduring literary works.
Among the attendees was the Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, represented by the Director of the Centre for Wellness and Creative Arts Therapy, Dr. Gafar Olorisade. The family of the late Professor Kolawole was also prominently represented, with her husband, Professor ‘Deboye Kolawole, and their son, Mr. Temi Kolawole, present to honour her memory.
Also at the event were the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and Professor Dipo Babalola, Head of the Department of English at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, among other notable figures.
Professor Mary Ebun Kolawole was celebrated for her pioneering work in literary theory, particularly through her development of an Africanist feminist theory known as womanism. Her academic journey saw her at the helm of the Department of English and as the pioneering Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, where her influence and leadership left an indelible mark.
The memorial lecture not only celebrated Professor Kolawole’s academic achievements but also underscored her enduring impact on the fields of literature and feminist theory.
Attendees left with a renewed appreciation for her contributions and a commitment to furthering the intellectual and cultural conversations she so passionately championed.