On January 28, 2023, Professor Emerita Bolanle Awe reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating her 90th birthday. Her life has been one of unparalleled contributions to academia, culture, gender equity, and national development, cementing her status as an iconic historian, administrator, advocate, and humanitarian.

As a scholar, Awe became one of Nigeria’s foremost voices in African Studies, guiding the University of Ibadan’s Institute of African Studies as its director from 1983 to 1991. Her dedication to validating African identity and history transformed the field and elevated the institution’s standing internationally. At a time when disciplines like anthropology and ethnology had colonial roots that skewed perspectives on African cultures, Awe, alongside other leaders in African historiography, pioneered new methods like oral history to provide an authentic and rigorous account of Africa’s past. Through this approach, Awe gave voice to African civilizations, highlighting their rich contributions to global heritage.

Her work in Women’s Studies marked another milestone in Nigeria’s academic landscape. Aware of the systemic subjugation of women within colonial and post-colonial contexts, Awe founded the Women’s Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC) at the University of Ibadan in 1987. This center became an anchor for gender studies and advocacy, furthering research on women’s rights and their roles in Nigerian society. WORDOC’s impact helped establish a Gender Studies Unit within the Institute of African Studies, attracting significant support and partnerships with figures across Nigeria to sustain its programs.

Awe’s commitment to education extended beyond the academic sphere. She fostered cross-cultural ties between Nigerian and American students, arranging for students from the University of Pennsylvania to collaborate with Nigerian students, deepening their understanding of African and African-American studies through immersive experiences. She was also pivotal in establishing partnerships with cultural institutions, maintaining up-to-date archives of African history and cultural materials at Ibadan.

Beyond academia, Awe played influential roles in governance, serving as commissioner for education and commerce, leading administrative panels, and as the inaugural Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Women. Her advocacy for women and children’s rights earned her the trust and respect of local and national communities alike, especially among market women and grassroots leaders.

Awe’s leadership style emphasized integrity, transparency, and dedication. As an administrator, she maintained rigorous standards of fairness, consulting all parties and prioritizing the university’s committee system to ensure that decisions were both inclusive and accountable. Her insistence on thoroughness and accountability in all institutional dealings set a high benchmark for leadership. Her mentees and colleagues often recount her humility and empathy, recognizing her as a rare model of both scholarship and humane leadership.

Awe’s influence endures through the many students, colleagues, and mentees she has guided. She represents an unparalleled blend of scholarship, integrity, and service, embodying a legacy that continues to inspire. Her life’s work has laid a strong foundation for future generations, reaffirming the value of culture, humanity, and national identity. A hearty celebration to Professor Emerita Bolanle Awe—may her legacy of excellence continue to inspire.