Paragon of intellectual achievement, transformative leadership — Opinion — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Nigerian green and white flag is often said to represent peace, unity, the country’s natural wealth, and agriculture. Beyond that, the wealth aspect includes its richness in human resources—individuals who are excelling in different sectors of the economy, transforming and shaping the world.

In Nigeria’s vibrant academic landscape, one name stands out for its remarkable contributions to scholarship, leadership, and education: Professor Mobolanle Ebunoluwa Sotunsa. A distinguished academic, prolific researcher, and transformational leader, Professor Sotunsa’s work embodies excellence and innovation across multiple domains. Her career spans over two decades of groundbreaking research, impactful teaching, and strategic leadership, making her a beacon of inspiration for scholars and educators across the globe.

Foundation Rooted in Excellence
Born on April 12, 1972, in Lagos, Professor Sotunsa’s intellectual journey began early in life. Raised in a family that valued education and cultural heritage, she developed a deep-seated passion for learning and storytelling, which later became the foundation of her illustrious career.

Hailing from Oyo State, she pursued her education with relentless determination. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Studies from the University of Ibadan in 1994, where she graduated with honours and was recognized for her outstanding contributions to literary studies.

Sotunsa further pursued a Master’s degree in English Studies in 1999, showcasing her academic rigour and dedication. Her academic rigour culminated in a Doctorate in English (Literature) in 2005 from the same university. Additionally, her training at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, where she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations in 1995, reflects her diverse academic interests and versatile expertise.

Career of Distinguished Scholarship and Leadership
Prof. Sotunsa’s career is a testament to her commitment to academic excellence. She is currently a Professor of Gender Studies and African Oral Literature at Babcock University, where she also serves as the Director of the Centre for Open Distance and eLearning (BUCODeL).

Since 2019, her leadership at BUCODeL has redefined the scope and impact of digital learning in Nigeria, placing the institution at the forefront of open and distance education in Africa.

Over the years, Sotunsa has held several influential roles, including Deputy Director of BUCODeL (2013–2019), Head of the Department of Languages and Literary Studies at Babcock University (2006–2009), and Visiting Scholar at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her academic journey also took her to the University of Georgia, Athens, USA, where she served as an Exchange Scholar and Visiting Professor in 2013.

Trailblazing Research and Thought Leadership
Professor Sotunsa’s research has significantly advanced the fields of African oral literature, gender studies, and literary criticism. Her pioneering works include ‘Yoruba Drum Poetry’, a seminal exploration of the aesthetics and cultural significance of Yoruba talking drum performances, and ‘Feminism and Gender Discourse: The African Experience’, which examines gender dynamics through the lens of African cultural contexts.

Her research has contributed to the theorization of indigenous African feminist frameworks, including the groundbreaking concept of Iwalewa. This framework not only synthesizes principles of African womanism but also serves as a practical guide for understanding and addressing gender issues in contemporary African societies.

With over 20 books and numerous journal articles to her name, Professor Sotunsa’s scholarship has gained international acclaim. Her co-edited volume, ‘Nigerian Women in Cultural, Political, and Public Spaces’ (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023), highlights the intersection of gender, culture, and leadership in Nigeria. Another notable work, ‘Gender and Leadership in Nigeria and Ghana’, reflects her commitment to addressing contemporary societal challenges through academic inquiry.

Educational Innovation and Visionary Leadership
Professor Sotunsa’s leadership extends beyond academia into the realm of educational transformation. She has introduced groundbreaking programs, such as digital literacy workshops and curriculum redesigns, to prepare students for the demands of a globalized economy.

At BUCODeL, she has spearheaded initiatives to enhance digital literacy and expand access to education through online platforms. Her efforts include collaborative projects with Global Wissen Consult to provide digital short courses and joint certifications, aiming to equip students and professionals with cutting-edge skills for the digital economy.

Recognitions and Awards
Professor Sotunsa’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She received the Leadership Award from Babcock University’s School of Education and Humanities for the 2023/2024 academic session and the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) Grant in 2021. These honours reflect her impact as an educator, innovator, and mentor.

A Global Academic Footprint
Professor Sotunsa’s influence extends globally. She has organized and participated in high-impact academic events such as the Open Distance and e-Learning Association of Nigeria (ODeLAN) Inaugural Conference held at Babcock University in 2023, where she chaired discussions on the future of inclusive digital learning.

Additionally, she co-convened the 6th J.A. Atanda Lectures and Conference on Yoruba Culture and Society in 2021, showcasing her dedication to cultural scholarship and intellectual collaboration. She has presented papers at prestigious international conferences, including the African Studies Association of the UK and the International Society for Oral Literatures in Africa (ISOLA).

Her keynote addresses, such as ‘Quality Delivery in ODeL: Research, Perception & Prospects’ at Obafemi Awolowo University’s Distance Learning Centre in 2024, and her presentation at the 7th J.A. Atanda Lectures on Yoruba Political Activism in 2024, underscore her expertise in open and distance learning as well as her commitment to advancing cultural and historical discourses.

Her collaborations with global scholars and institutions, including the University of London and the University of Florida, have enriched her perspective and enhanced the quality of her academic engagements. Notably, her active participation in the 2024 NUC-University of London Workshop on expanding high-quality online and distance education in Nigeria demonstrates her thought leadership in transforming higher education.

Mentorship and Community Service
A dedicated mentor, Professor Sotunsa has supervised numerous postgraduate theses, guiding emerging scholars in exploring innovative research topics. Her mentorship reflects her belief in nurturing talent and fostering intellectual growth.

Beyond academia, she serves as Vice President of Global Vision Support Centre, a non-governmental organization focused on literacy improvement for women, youths, and high school dropouts. Her editorial contributions to *Intercessors Magazine* further highlight her commitment to community upliftment.

Addressing Nigeria’s Educational Challenges
Professor Sotunsa is deeply invested in finding solutions to Nigeria’s educational and infrastructural challenges. Recognizing the impact of unstable power supply on academic productivity, she has advocated for sustainable energy solutions at Babcock University. Her leadership emphasizes the importance of resilience, innovation, and strategic planning in overcoming systemic barriers.

Legacy and Future Aspirations
As an academic and administrator, Professor Sotunsa’s vision is rooted in fostering inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. Her aspirations include expanding access to quality education, bridging gender gaps, and creating industry-relevant curricula.

Her ongoing projects, such as the development of a digital compendium of Yoruba drum poetry, exemplify her dedication to preserving African cultural heritage. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive, accessible digital repository that bridges traditional oral art forms with modern technological platforms, fostering global appreciation and academic study.

Professor Mobolanle Sotunsa stands as a paragon of intellectual achievement and transformative leadership. Her contributions to scholarship, education, and societal development continue to inspire generations. As she forges ahead, her work will undoubtedly shape the future of education and scholarship in Nigeria and beyond, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and innovation.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}