Sogolo at 80: Yuguda Hails Renowned Scholar as Champion of African Philosophy

Former Governor of Bauchi State and Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Isa Yuguda, has described Emeritus Prof. Godwin Sogolo as a national asset whose scholarship has significantly elevated African philosophy on the global stage.

Yuguda, represented by former NOUN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vincent Tenebe, made the remarks at the presentation of a book titled “Philosophy, Human Values and Development in Africa”, organised in honour of Sogolo as he marked his 80th birthday.

He commended Sogolo’s contributions to academia, noting that his work at NOUN, the University of Ibadan and the University of Benin, among other institutions, remained exemplary. According to him, the emeritus professor’s life embodies integrity, excellence in teaching, and lifelong dedication to research and mentorship.

“Sogolo is an academic to the core and a teacher by excellence, whose life and work exemplify integrity, scholarship and service,” Yuguda said, adding that the milestone birthday provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate decades of impact in higher education.

Reviewing the book, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Eghosa Osaghae, described Sogolo as a pioneer in the decolonisation of African philosophy. He explained that the 21-chapter volume explores themes such as ethics, governance, health, knowledge production and comparative philosophy, while underscoring Sogolo’s enduring intellectual influence.

Osaghae noted that the publication demonstrates the complementary relationship between African and Western philosophical traditions and highlights the need to integrate moral values into governance processes, including the institutionalisation of moral education for leadership.

In his remarks, Sogolo stressed the importance of documenting and institutionalising African philosophical systems, observing that Africa’s strong oral traditions had historically limited the preservation of indigenous philosophical ideas compared to Europe’s written traditions. He emphasised that every culture possesses its own philosophical framework rooted in its way of life, belief systems and cultural heritage.

The scholar, who identified himself as part of the first generation of African philosophers working to establish authentic African philosophy, urged African academics to develop indigenous knowledge systems while acknowledging the global nature of intellectual exchange. He cited Hausa proverbs as examples of philosophical reflections that convey universal truths long before their formal articulation in Western scholarship.

Earlier, former NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Abdallah Adamu, commended the Federal Government for steps taken to improve the welfare of university staff, especially professors, noting that enhanced welfare and facilities would positively influence the quality of tertiary education.

Adamu also highlighted the evolving challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning, stressing the need for universities to adopt new strategies and delivery systems to remain effective in a rapidly changing academic environment.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Uduma, said universities should be seen not merely as centres for certification but as communities dedicated to truth, critical thinking and service to humanity. He noted that Sogolo’s legacy represents intellectual depth, academic courage and enduring service to philosophy and scholarship.

The event drew academics, students and dignitaries who celebrated Sogolo’s legacy and the growing recognition of African philosophy as a vital driver of human values, governance and development across the continent.