The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) will on July 1 unveil a landmark publication celebrating the life, artistic accomplishments and global influence of renowned sculptor and visual artist, Emeritus Professor El Anatsui, whose work has earned worldwide acclaim and placed the university town of Nsukka firmly on the international cultural map.
The 411-page volume, titled El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting, will be formally presented at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during a ceremony expected to attract scholars, traditional rulers, public officials, artists, cultural administrators and members of the academic community.
The book, edited by Associate Professor Greg Mbajiorgu and Chikaogwu Kanu, chronicles the life, artistic journey and intellectual contributions of El Anatsui, the Ghanaian-born artist who spent nearly five decades teaching and working in Nsukka.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists, El Anatsui transformed discarded materials into monumental installations that have been exhibited in some of the world’s leading museums, galleries and cultural institutions.
Organisers described the publication as both a tribute to the artist and a significant cultural and intellectual document that captures his impact as a teacher, mentor, institution builder and global ambassador of African creativity.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, will serve as Chief Host, while the President of the University Senior Staff Club, Professor Chukwudi Nnamchi, will host the event.
Chairman of the occasion is the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, whose contributions to culture and scholarship have earned national recognition.
The book will be reviewed by Professor Chris Uchenna Agbedo, a linguist, literary scholar and public affairs commentator, who is expected to examine the publication’s significance as a cultural archive and historical record.
Several prominent personalities are expected to attend the event, including Rt. Hon. Chidi Obeta, Justice Professor Peter Umeadi, Dr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Mrs. Virgy Anohu, HRH Igwe George Asadu, HRH Eze Ifeanyi Ekeh and Chief Loretta Aniagolu.
According to the organisers, the publication features contributions from more than 100 scholars, artists, administrators, journalists, traditional rulers and cultural practitioners from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa, Europe and North America.
They noted that the volume not only documents El Anatsui’s artistic achievements but also provides insight into the development of the Nsukka School of Art and the growing influence of African artistic traditions in global cultural discourse.
The organisers said the unveiling would provide an opportunity for the university community, art lovers and the wider public to celebrate a figure whose work has transcended borders and generations.
The event is scheduled to commence at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
