A professor of Classics at the University of Ibadan, Olakunbi Olasope, has called on African scholars to stop viewing Classics solely through the lens of Greece and Rome and instead recognise it as part of Africa’s heritage.
Olasope made the call while delivering the university’s 593rd inaugural lecture, titled Reception of the Classics in Africa: Blurring Borders, Connecting Cultures, at Trenchard Hall.
She argued that Classics remains relevant in modern society, as it touches on all aspects of human life and contributes to the preservation of culture. “All disciplines are represented in the Classics, so all professions are as well. If we do not have students studying them, we will not be able to feel the impact of arts and culture in society,” she said.
The don cited the works of Nigerian playwright Femi Osofisan, who adapted Greek tragedies into African contexts, as proof that classical texts can be repurposed to reflect local histories and struggles.
She also called for the creation of an international theatre at the university to stage adapted plays and enhance public engagement with the discipline, stressing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Olasope warned that declining knowledge of indigenous languages and traditions among young Nigerians poses a threat to their cultural identity.
Leave feedback about this