Shul-Nom Yohanna Bako
In furtherance of the promotion of African historiography and the advancement of history from below, a group of emerging scholars under the banner of the Toyin Falola Disciples (TFD), comprising predominantly academic staff of the Department of History, Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, convened to celebrate and reflect on the enduring intellectual legacy of Professor Toyin Falola. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost historians, Professor Falola’s prolific scholarship and unwavering commitment to the development of African historical studies continue to inspire generations of scholars across the continent and beyond.
The association’s engagement with the Toyin Falola Annual International Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC) dates back to TOFAC 2019, held at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, from 1st–3rd July 2019, under the theme: “Religion, the State and Global Politics.” Participation in this landmark conference exposed members to vibrant intellectual exchanges and reinforced their commitment to rigorous historical inquiry, interdisciplinary scholarship, and the promotion of African-centred knowledge production.
Beyond TOFAC, members of the Toyin Falola Disciples actively participated in the academic gathering and public presentation of the volume Understanding Colonial Nigeria, as well as the public lecture delivered by Professor Toyin Falola at the University of Jos on 18th June, 2025. Professor Falola, the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, delivered a thought-provoking lecture that further illuminated contemporary debates in African historical scholarship. The event was moderated by Professor Sati U. Fwatshak and chaired by Professor Monday Mangvwat, attracting an impressive assembly of distinguished scholars and university administrators, including Professor Enoch Oyedele, Professor Tanko Ishaya (Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos), Professor Audu Nanven Gambo (Vice-Chancellor, Karl Kumm University), Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu (Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University), Professor Chris Piwuna (National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities), Professor Egodi Uchendu, Professor Z. D. Goshit, Professor John D. Longkat, Dr. Jimam Lar, among several other eminent academics.
On 19th June, 2025 the group also participated in the public lecture on power, education and change at the Karl Kumm University Vom, Nigeria.
The Toyin Falola Disciples have continued to expand both in membership and scholarly influence, culminating in a stronger representation at the recently concluded TOFAC 2026. The group remains committed to mentoring emerging historians and encouraging young scholars to embrace African historiography through sustained participation in TOFAC and related scholarly engagements. By fostering critical inquiry into the lived experiences of ordinary people and advancing the study of history from below, the association seeks not only to preserve and extend Professor Toyin Falola’s remarkable intellectual legacy but also to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and global relevance of African historical scholarship.
The Toyin Falola Disciples is a movement!