Former Bauchi governor and Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Malam Isa Yuguda, has described Emeritus Prof. Godwin Sogolo as a national asset who helped elevate African philosophy globally.
Represented by former NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, Yuguda spoke at the launch of the book “Philosophy, Human Values and Development in Africa”, published in Sogolo’s honour as he marked his 80th birthday.
Yuguda praised Sogolo’s service to NOUN, the University of Ibadan and the University of Benin. He described him as a scholar of integrity whose dedication to teaching, research and mentorship deserves recognition.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), said Sogolo pioneered efforts to decolonise African philosophy.
He explained that the 21-chapter volume explores ethics, governance, health and comparative philosophy. It also highlights the complementarity of African and Western thought and advocates moral education as a foundation for leadership.
In his remarks, Sogolo stressed the need to document and institutionalise African philosophical traditions. He noted that Africa’s strong oral culture limited the preservation of ideas compared to Europe’s written tradition.
“Every nation has its philosophy. Africa is no different,” he said, adding that scholars must develop systems rooted in local knowledge and culture.
Sogolo cited Hausa proverbs and Nigerian traditions such as Yoruba, Isoko and Igbo thought systems as examples of rich philosophical heritage. He also recalled authoring a foundational book on African philosophy in 1993 to promote its study.
Former NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdallah Adamu, commended the Federal Government for improving university staff welfare. He said better salaries and retirement packages for professors would strengthen tertiary education.
Adamu added that university concerns go beyond pay, stressing the need for improved facilities, especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Uduma, said universities should promote critical thinking rather than serve only as centres for certification. He described Sogolo’s life as one marked by intellectual depth and service to humanity.
The event drew academics, students and dignitaries who celebrated Sogolo’s legacy and the growing recognition of African philosophy.
