Wande Abimbola facts for kids

Chief Ògúnwán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá, often called Wán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá, was born on December 24, 1932. He is a famous Nigerian scholar and a professor of the Yoruba language and its stories. He used to be the head (called a vice-chancellor) of the Obafemi Awolowo University. He also held an important political job as the Majority Leader in the Nigerian Senate.

In 1981, he received a special title, Àwísẹ Awo Àgbàyé, from the Ooni of Ife. The Ooni is a traditional ruler in Yorubaland. This title means he is a respected spokesperson for Ifa and Yoruba religion.

Studying and Learning

Ògúnwán̄dé Abím̄bọ́lá worked hard in his studies. He earned his first university degree in history in 1963. He studied at University College, Ibadan, which was connected to the University of London at the time.

Later, he went to the United States. In 1966, he earned a master's degree in linguistics from Northwestern University in Illinois. He then returned to Nigeria for more studies. In 1971, he received his PhD in Yoruba Literature from the University of Lagos. He was the very first person to get a PhD from that university. He became a full professor in 1976.

Teaching at Universities

Professor Abím̄bọ́lá taught at three different universities in Nigeria. He taught at the University of Ibadan from 1963 to 1965. Then, he taught at the University of Lagos from 1966 to 1972. Finally, he taught at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1972 to 1991.

He also taught at several universities in the United States. These include Indiana University, Amherst College, Harvard University, Boston University, Colgate University, and the University of Louisville. Professor Abím̄bọ́lá has written many books about Ifá and Yoruba culture. In 1977, his book Ifá Divination Poetry was published.

Important Roles and Work

Professor Abím̄bọ́lá has held many important positions throughout his career. These roles show his leadership in education, politics, and culture.

Leading Universities

• 1982–1989: He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ile-Ife. This university is now known as Obafemi Awolowo University. As Vice-Chancellor, he was the main leader of the entire university.
• 1977–1979: He was the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University. A Dean is like a head of a major department or group of subjects.
• 1975–1977, 1979–80, 1981–82: He was the Head of the Department of African Languages and Literatures at Obafemi Awolowo University. He actually started this department.

Teaching and Research Roles

• 2004–2005: He was a special visiting scholar at the University of Louisville in the USA.
• 1999: He worked as a Professor of Humanities at Colgate University.
• 1998–2003: He was a Professor in the Department of Religion at Boston University.
• 1997: He taught as a Professor of the Humanities at Colgate University again.
• 1996–1997: He was a Fellow at Harvard University.
• 1990–1991: He was a Scholar-in-Residence and Visiting Professor at Amherst College.
• 1980–1981: He was a Visiting Professor at Amherst College, focusing on religious ethics.
• 1976–1990: He was a Professor of African Languages and Literatures at Obafemi Awolowo University.
• 1973: He was an Associate Professor of Folklore at Indiana University.
• 1971: He was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Folklore at Indiana University.
• 1966–1972: He worked as a Lecturer at the University of Lagos.
• 1963–1965: He was a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Ibadan.

Political and Cultural Service

Professor Abím̄bọ́lá has also played important roles in government and cultural organizations.

• 2005–present: He directs a UNESCO project about Ifa, which is a traditional system of knowledge.
• 2003–2005: He advised the Nigerian President on traditional and cultural matters.
• 1992–1993: He was the Senate Majority Leader in the Nigerian Senate. This is a very important political position.
• 1992: He was a special adviser to the Governor of Oyo State in Nigeria.
• 1990–present: He received the title Asiwaju Awo of Remo, Nigeria.
• 1988–1989: He was a member of the Executive Committee for the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
• 1986–present: He was given the title Elemoso of Ketu, Benin Republic.
• 1981–present: He is the President of the International Congress of Orisa Tradition and Culture.
• 1981–present: He was given the title Awise Awo Ni Agbaye. This means "World Spokesperson for Ifa and Yoruba Religion."
• 1971–present: He was made a Babalawo, which is an Ifa Priest.

Other Professional Work

• 1972–1979: He was the editor of Yoruba, a journal about Yoruba studies.
• 1970–1972: He was the editor of Lagos Notes and Records, a bulletin from the University of Lagos.

See also

In Spanish: Wande Abimbola para niños