By Adelaide Obenewaa Twum-Barima
KNUST, Ghana
It is with deep respect and admiration that we welcome Prof. Toyin Falola, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and esteemed professor of African Studies, as he pays tribute to our beloved motherland, Ghana. Prof. Falola, a prolific author with over a hundred thought-provoking books and articles focused on the African experience, has dedicated his life’s work to shedding light on the rich tapestry of our continent’s history. Among his celebrated works are titles like *Nationalism and African Intellectuals*, *A History of Africa*, *The African Diaspora: Slavery, Modernity, and Globalisation*, and *The Power of African Cultures*. His profound insights have earned him a cherished place in the pantheon of Africa’s greatest writers and thinkers.
From June 11-13, 2025, we are honoured to have Prof. Falola in Ghana, where he will lead three enlightening lectures across different university campuses. His recent exploration into African Ancestral Studies reflects a commitment to amplifying voices from our past and will be a central theme during his visit.
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Prof. Falola will begin his journey at Pentecost University in Sowutuom, Accra. This lecture will delve into the challenges posed by Western educational models, while lovingly advocating for the appreciation of our indigenous educational systems. Drawing inspiration from the insightful work of Dr. Mary Owusu, *The Mis-Education of the Ghanaian: A Critique of the Ghanaian Education System*, he will eloquently argue for the recognition of unique African learning systems that thrived long before colonial influence.
The following day, Thursday, June 12, 2025, Prof. Falola will grace the stage at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. His lecture, titled *Ancestral Science and Technology for Modern Development in Africa*, will inspire attendees to embrace participatory research. He passionately believes that integrating ancestral knowledge is vital for the transformation and advancement of our continent, reminding us that our heritage holds the key to a brighter future.
Prof. Falola will conclude his heartfelt visit with a poignant lecture on slavery and the slave trade in Cape Coast, a city steeped in history. On Friday, June 13, 2025, at the University of Cape Coast, he will address “The Memory of Slavery and the Slave Trade and the Relevance to Contemporary Africa”. Here, he will guide us through a reflective exploration of the painful legacy of the slave trade, emphasising how acknowledging this history can serve as a powerful catalyst for healing and transformation in Africa today.
As a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Prof. Falola’s contributions to African studies are invaluable. We invite everyone to join us in this compassionate journey of learning and reflection as we embrace the opportunity to engage with Prof. Toyin Falola. All three lectures are open to the general public, allowing each of us to partake in this crucial dialogue.
Please, avail us ecopy of each lecture.