Education

‘At Long Last, Idunit!’ Wole Soyinka On His First Novel In Nearly 50 Years

‘At long last, Idunit!’ Wole Soyinka on his first novel in nearly 50 years

A new work by a Nobel laureate is generally a cause for celebration, but for Wole Soyinka, it’s especially significant. It’s been nearly 50 years since he published his last novel, “The Interpreters,” and though his work has spanned multiple genres — poetry, plays, memoirs and essays — his new novel, “Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth,” manages to chart fresh territory. At 87, the first sub-Saharan author to be honored by Stockholm remains a brilliant thinker and tinkerer. “Chronicles” combines elements of a murder mystery, a searing political satire and an “Alice in Wonderland”-like modern allegory of power and deceit.

The novel picks up just as Nigeria — or the author’s stand-in for his home country — is gearing up to celebrate its annual Festival of the People of Happiness, yet another example of official doublespeak. The ruling People on the Move Party (“POMP”) have turned the country into a vast, innocuous reality show even as violence, fanaticism and ruthless plunder wreak havoc across the land. But when Dr. Kighare Menka, famous for tending to the mutilated victims of Boko Haram, stumbles upon a black market in human body parts, the nation’s ugly secrets begin to surface.

And that’s just the beginning of the conspiracies, which stretch from a charlatan preacher named Papa Divina to the president, Sir Godfrey O. Danfere. The mysterious death of Menka’s blood-brother, Duyole Pitan-Payne — who came of age with Menka during the hopeful early years of independence — tightens the web of intrigue. What did he know? Who wanted him dead? And when, exactly, did Nigeria sink so low? These and other questions — personal, moral, social and political — percolate through Soyinka’s acidly comic take on his country’s “grim contest in human desecration, physical and mental.” Soyinka spoke with The Times via email about the new book, his homeland and his own legacy.

I’m curious how long this book has been germinating and what about this story demanded the form of a novel.

Quite a while, certainly close to two decades. However, the themes found release in other forms, mostly polemical. Let’s say it found temporary outlet in my local interventions, both literary and political. So it had been building up in the mind. With that kind of pressure — rather like a flood behind a retaining wall — only the prose cascade seemed empowered to bear the burden of release.

Were there unexpected challenges in writing a novel again after so long?

Mostly technical. I work — like most — directly from my laptop. I am not a sequential writer, so each session does not necessarily take up the story where it left off. Now, imagine resuming work where you thought you had left your characters. The oftener you click that “save” button, the deeper you dig yourself into a hole — no, into several tunnels.

You started writing during the early days of the pandemic, outside your home in Nigeria. Was that out of necessity or preference?

No, I started work just before the pandemic. Needed to physically distance myself from the provoking environment to be able to address it, and in full isolation. Two sessions of about eight days each — one in Dakar, the other in Ghana — I needed those, to even begin. Then the pandemic locked me down in my own forested home, with just my characters for company. The heavy stuff took over, for some three or four months. Not a recommended regimen.

"Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth," by Wole Soyinka

The title is meant facetiously, but it was inspired by an actual news report on Nigeria’s high rating on a global survey of optimism.

Sometimes, I even propose that the novel wrote itself, with the overpowering gamut of occurrences in manic vein. To encounter a report that this land, clinging to a marginal survival index, is rated high on the “happiness” scale — that scatters your brain! But, then, you also understand. Just recently, a carnival wedding party was staged. The bride was the president’s daughter, and over a hundred private jets flew in guests from every corner of the nation. I had foolishly imagined that the nation was in mourning, what with a thousand or so students still held captive by religious fundamentalist loonies and other homicidal maniacs.

This novel can be read in many ways, but, ultimately, it moves with the pace of a whodunit. Was that something you’ve wanted to try your hand at?

Always longed to write a mystery, no question about that. In secondary school, I ate up detective novels. Well, as “Chronicles” progressed, my long-repressed antennae sniffed an opening and that was it. Backtracked and did some lateral adjustments. So it’s been gratifying to receive comments of it being a kind of whodunit. At long last: Idunnit!

How closely did you want to stick to the realities of present-day Nigeria and how much artistic license did you allow yourself?

Would be pointless to deny that I wanted Nigerians to recognize themselves in the work. Yes, it is consciously a J’Accuse of both power and the disempowered. And I drove my African publisher to distraction just so the work could emerge in time for Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary last year. And guess what? The government announced that the celebrations would be spectacular and would run a full year! Mind you, the anniversary project was simply abandoned. Left to sink quietly in government sump.

You’ve been an outspoken critic of abuses of authority. You tore up your U.S. Green Card when Trump was elected in 2016. I’m interested in how you viewed the Black Lives Matter protests of this past year.

Black Lives Matter was long in coming, its tempo was merely crudely accelerated with the entry of Donald Trump and what he represented. It was psychic release. Trump was the revenge of American racism to the shock of unforgivable Obama. I hope, by the way, that “Chronicles” is seen as not simply a critique of one’s own government. It is meant to indict us also, the governed, as a people who have jettisoned the humane values that that same society impressed on my upbringing. Yes, I would give much to bludgeon Nigeria into accepting that Black Lives do Matter!

You’ve said before that winning the 1986 Nobel Prize brought with it a heavy burden — in a word, it was “hell.” But it has also given you a powerful platform. Is this something you’ve learned to embrace?

Do recall, I did have a “platform” even before the Nobel. I had and routinely exercised that voice. The Nobel, however, began to render the voice hoarse and brittle from expectations and demands. Worst of all was that I lost even my remnant shreds of anonymity. That’s the unrecognized part, and one to which I am yet to be reconciled.

As the first Black African Nobelist, you’ve also had an enormous impact on contemporary African writing. How do you think it’s changed in the past half-century?

Yes, the prize did instigate literary emulation — not imitation, thank goodness — manifested in bolder, self-assured writing among the younger African generation. That alone was gratifying. The young female writers especially.

When you look back at your oeuvre, what works do you feel represent your greatest legacy?

No, no, I never think in terms of legacy. And I can truthfully claim that I am quite at home in any genre — from poetry to polemics. The theme calls to the medium, and one can only aspire to be a faithful conduit!

Education

Lagos university workers declare indefinite strike

The Non-Academic Staff Union of the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, Ijanikin, have embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the failure of the state government and the institution’s administration to address its demands.

The university union says it wants the payment of payment of 72 months of arrears for hazard and transport allowances to its members as well as salary increase.

The Chairman of the LASUED chapter of NASU, Badmus Adesola, while speaking on the development, said, “We have exhausted all avenues for dialogue, and our members can no longer bear the financial strain caused by the non-payment of our allowances and stagnant wages. This strike is our last resort to demand fairness and justice.

“Many of our members struggle to make ends meet without these allowances. It is unacceptable for the government to ignore our pleas for support.”

“Also, NASU is calling for a 25-35% salary increase, citing the escalating cost of living.

“Our financial demands are not mere whims; they are essential for our survival. The government agreed to this increase, but implementation is still lacking.

“We deserve equal pay for equal work, and it’s time the government recognized our contributions to the education sector.

“We were assured that issues regarding our allowances would be resolved by January 6, but nothing has changed. This strike represents our fight for dignity, respect, and a better working environment.

“While we regret the disruption this may cause, our fight is ultimately for a better educational experience. A well-compensated workforce directly contributes to improved educational standards.”

Education

JAMB remits N6bn to FG coffers after conduct of 2024 UTME

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday said it has remitted over N6 billion to the federal government coffers as part of its operating surplus after the conduct of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Board disclosed that it has so far contributed over N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years under the watch of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.

The details of the remittances are contained in the Monday Bulletin of the Board made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.

According to the board, in 2024, it generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 and spent N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.

According to JAMB, 2024 represented a pivotal moment, marking a time to reap the rewards of the various innovations it had implemented.It noted that one area where the Board has demonstrated commendable courage over the years was in enhancing accountability, transparency, and openness in its financial practices, stressing that since 2017, it has consistently provided weekly income and expenditure reports for public scrutiny.

While looking ahead to 2025, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.

It stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the Board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.“From this amount, It expended N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.

“Upon assuming office, Professor Is-haq Oloyede’s management team prioritized financial responsibility. In line with government regulations, it remitted over N7 billion from its operational surplus during the first year.

“Additionally, management initiated a programme to give back to candidates by reducing the cost of its application documents by N1,500, a practice that has continued with subsequent remittances to the federal treasury.

“In 2024, the Board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government. When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.

“Looking ahead to 2025, the Board remains committed to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.

“The Board will also continue to ensure equity and fairness for all candidates in the admission process, which remains its core mandate.”

The Board also highlighted various reforms instituted by the management of JAMB under the leadership of Prof. Oloyede over the years culminating in significant achievements and recognition in 2024.

It recalled that at a roundtable organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in January 2024, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the Board and specifically highlighted Prof. Oloyede’s exemplary character, purposeful leadership, and prudent management of resources.

“This recognition was underscored by the Board’s remarkable contribution of N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years,” it noted.

Also, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) shortly after rated JAMB highly in its performance index using its Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).

During an official visit to JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on March 19, 2024, BPSR Director-General Dr Dasuki Arabi praised the Board for its commitment to efficient service delivery and acknowledged Prof. Oloyede’s visionary leadership.

In response to the government’s confidence in JAMB, the Board was tasked with combating the prevalence of fake degrees and certificates in the country.

To enhance its efforts in this area, JAMB collaborated with relevant agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In April 2024, this partnership was formalised to protect the integrity of tertiary education certificates, helping to identify fraudulent candidates seeking to participate in the NYSC scheme. (Nation)

Education

WAEC Introduces Resit Exams For Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a new initiative, which will allow students to resit their WASSCE papers as early as January and February 2025.

This marks a significant shift from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, disclosed this while speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Tuesday, December 31st.He explained that the new programme, referred to as WASSCE PC1, provides a faster route for students to improve their grades.

“Students who access their results now and realise they need to resit one or two papers have until 8th January to register online through our website or at WAEC-accredited internet cafés. The exams will take place from 24th January to 15th February 2025,” Mr Kapi stated.

According to him, to aid candidates in their preparations, WAEC plans to expedite the release of chief examiners’ reports, saying, “These reports will provide detailed feedback on where students may have gone wrong and how they can better approach their studies and the examination process.

“We’ve advertised this programme widely through banners, our website, and our results checker platform to ensure that both students and parents are aware,” Mr Kapi added.

He said students whose results have been cancelled are also eligible to sit the WASSCE PC1 exams, provided they have not been banned for some years for malpractice.

“For now, the exams will be conducted in regional capitals due to the limited number of candidates. Prospective participants are urged to complete their registration by the 8th of January to take advantage of this opportunity.”

WAEC, however, expressed optimism that this initiative will allow candidates to quickly improve their grades and qualify for the next cycle of admissions, avoiding a year-long delay in their academic progress. Daily Trust