Wande Abimbola facts for kids

Chief Ògúnwán̄dé "Wán̄dé" Abím̄bọ́lá, born on December 24, 1932, is a very important Nigerian scholar and leader. He is a professor who specializes in the Yoruba language and its stories. He also served as the head of a major university and was a leader in the Nigerian government.

Chief Abím̄bọ́lá is also known as Àwísẹ Awo Àgbàyé. This special title was given to him in 1981 by the Ooni of Ife, who is a traditional ruler. This happened after many wise elders, called Babalawos, suggested it. The title means he is a world spokesperson for Ifa and Yoruba religion.

His Journey in Education

Ògúnwán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá loved learning from a young age. He started his university studies at University College, Ibadan, where he earned his first degree in history in 1963. This college was connected to the University of London at the time.

Advanced Studies

He continued his education in the United States. In 1966, he earned a master's degree in linguistics from Northwestern University in Illinois. Linguistics is the study of language. He then returned to Nigeria to complete his highest degree.

In 1971, he earned his PhD in Yoruba Literature from the University of Lagos. He was actually the very first person to get a PhD from that university! By 1976, he became a full professor, which is a very high rank for a university teacher.

Teaching Around the World

Professor Abím̄bọ́lá taught at several universities in Nigeria. These included the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and the University of Ife (which is now called Obafemi Awolowo University). He taught at the University of Ife for many years, from 1972 to 1991.

He also shared his knowledge at many universities in the United States. Some of these famous schools include Indiana University, Harvard University, and Boston University. He has written important books about Ifá, which is a traditional Yoruba system of knowledge, and about Yoruba culture. One of his well-known books, Ifá Divination Poetry, was published in 1977.

Leadership Roles

Chief Abím̄bọ́lá has held many important leadership positions throughout his life, both in universities and in government.

Leading Universities

He played a big role in running universities.

• From 1982 to 1989, he was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife. This means he was the main leader and manager of the entire university.
• Before that, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University from 1977 to 1979. A Dean is like the head of a major department or group of subjects.
• He also founded and led the Department of African Languages and Literatures at Obafemi Awolowo University for several years.

Public Service and Politics

Beyond academics, Chief Abím̄bọ́lá also served his country in important ways.

• From 1992 to 1993, he was the Senate Majority Leader in the Senate of Nigeria. The Senate is a part of the government that makes laws for the country. Being the Majority Leader means he was a key leader for the main political group in the Senate.
• He also advised the Governor of Oyo State in Nigeria in 1992.
• Later, from 2003 to 2005, he was an adviser to the Nigerian President on traditional and cultural matters. This shows how much his knowledge of Yoruba culture was valued.

Cultural Leadership

Chief Abím̄bọ́lá is deeply involved in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.

• Since 1981, he has been the President of the International Congress of Orisa Tradition and Culture. Orisa are traditional deities or spirits in the Yoruba religion.
• He was given the special title of Awise Awo Ni Agbaye in 1981, which means he is the "World Spokesperson for Ifa and Yoruba Religion."
• He has also received other traditional titles, like Asiwaju Awo of Remo and Elemoso of Ketu. These titles show his respected position within Yoruba communities.
• Since 2005, he has been a director for a UNESCO award given to Nigeria for Ifa, recognizing its importance as a cultural heritage.

Chief Ògúnwán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá's life shows a strong dedication to education, leadership, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

See also

In Spanish: Wande Abimbola para niños