--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 OyeniyiDepartment of HistoryStrong Building, Room 440,Tel: 417-836-6959Mobile: (+1) 832-211-8921Missouri State University901 S. National Ave.Springfield, MO 65897
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