Nsukka university community celebrates El Anatsui, African scholar, artist

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the University Senior Staff Club, rolled out colourful drums in celebration of El Anatsui, a Ghanaian-born artist, who turned 80 years recently.

The event witnessed the unveiling of the landmark book, ‘El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting’, in honour of the Emeritus Professor, who worked in the university for 47 years.

The unveiling, which took place at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, UNN, on July 1, 2026, saw members of the academic community, the media, cultural institutions, art enthusiasts, alumni, traditional rulers and the general public gathering to honour Anatsui.

The book, a monumental 411-page compendium edited by Greg Mbajiorgu, an associate professor and Chikaogwu Kanu, celebrates the extraordinary life, scholarship, humanity, and artistic genius of Anatsui, who rose from the modest university town to become arguably one of the most influential Black visual artists of the contemporary era.

More than a book launch, the event represents a celebration of a remarkable global phenomenon. From his creative base in Nsukka, El Anatsui transformed discarded materials into masterpieces that now adorn the world’s most prestigious museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. His artistic innovations have earned him international acclaim, culminating in his recognition as the greatest black African artist on earth and his elevation as one of Times International’s 100 Most Influential Men in the World. Indeed, few individuals have done more to project the name of Nsukka onto the global cultural map than El Anatsui. Through his work, the town has become a destination for scholars, artists, researchers, curators, collectors, and tourists from across the world. His story demonstrates how creativity can transform geography into destiny and how a university town can become a global cultural landmark.

The event featured a review of the book by Chris Uchenna Agbedo, a professor and renowned linguist, literary scholar, newspaper columnist, and public affairs analyst. His review provided penetrating insights into the significance of the volume as a cultural archive, intellectual monument, and historical document.

The unveiling ceremony brought together an impressive constellation of distinguished personalities from academia, government, traditional institutions, the arts, and the media. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, vice-chancellor, University of Nigeria, served as the chief host, while Chukwudi Nnamchi, a professor, and president, University Senior Staff Club, hosted alongside Lazarus Ogenyi, a professor and chairman of the Planning Committee. Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, whose enduring commitment to culture, scholarship, and nation-building continues to inspire generations, presided over the ceremony as chairman.

‘El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting’ is unprecedented in scope and ambition. It features contributions from over 100 distinguished scholars, artists, intellectuals, administrators, journalists, traditional rulers, scientists and cultural practitioners from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa, Europe, and North America, the book stands as one of the most comprehensive tributes ever dedicated to an African artist. Its contributors include eminent academics, serving and former university administrators, internationally acclaimed artists, literary figures, historians, linguists, musicologists, philosophers, journalists, and cultural commentators. The collection captures not only the artistic achievements of El Anatsui but also his influence as mentor, teacher, intellectual, philanthropist, institution-builder, and global cultural icon.

The significance of the publication extends far beyond the celebration of an individual, as it is simultaneously a documentation of the intellectual history of the University of Nigeria, a chronicle of the emergence of the Nsukka School of Art, and a testimony to Africa’s growing contribution to global artistic discourse. As Emeritus Professor El Anatsui continues to inspire generations at 82, the unveiling offers a rare opportunity for the people of Nsukka, the university community, the nation, and the international cultural fraternity to collectively honour a man whose life and work have expanded the possibilities of African creativity.