Abdulrasheed Na’Allah stands as a remarkable figure in African academia and cultural preservation. Born in 1962 in Ilorin, Nigeria, he has dedicated his life to safeguarding African oral performance traditions while advancing scholarship in literature and higher education leadership. From his early engagement with Yoruba oral poetry to his pioneering leadership roles at Nigerian universities, Na’Allah’s work exemplifies a blend of creative, scholarly, and administrative excellence. His contributions continue to inspire both scholars and students across Africa and beyond.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Na’Allah’s early exposure to Nigeria’s rich oral traditions laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to preserving African cultural heritage. He pursued formal education at the University of Ilorin, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1988, followed by a Master of Arts in Literature in English in 1992. His undergraduate thesis focused on Dadakuada, a Yoruba oral poetic genre, highlighting the depth and complexity of local performance traditions. This early scholarship established him as an emerging authority on Nigerian oral culture.
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Continuing his academic journey abroad, Na’Allah earned a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Alberta in Canada in 1999. His doctoral research further refined his understanding of African oral traditions, performance theory, and cross-cultural literary studies, positioning him as a global scholar with a uniquely African perspective.
Scholarship in African Performance Traditions
Na’Allah is widely recognized for his work in documenting, analyzing, and promoting African oral performance traditions. His studies emphasize the cultural, social, and artistic significance of genres like Dadakuada, situating them within both local and global literary discourse. His books provide detailed examinations of the development, performance, and cultural impact of Yoruba oral genres, explore African oral literature through indigenous frameworks and performance perspectives, and examine how global influences interact with traditional African poetic and performative expressions. Na’Allah’s scholarship bridges the gap between traditional African oral forms and contemporary academic study, ensuring that these cultural expressions remain relevant to modern audiences while honoring their historical roots.
Creative Work and Cultural Impact
Beyond academia, Na’Allah is a prolific poet and playwright. His creative works integrate rhythm, oral storytelling, and cultural motifs, reflecting the vibrancy of African performance traditions. Through his poetry, plays, and public lectures, he brings African oral heritage to wider audiences, encouraging appreciation of cultural narratives that might otherwise fade. His focus on performance as a living, dynamic art form allows communities, students, and researchers to experience African oral traditions as they were intended—interactive, rhythmic, and deeply connected to social life. Na’Allah’s contributions have helped preserve these art forms for future generations while providing academic legitimacy and visibility on a global scale.
Leadership in Nigerian Higher Education
Abdulrasheed Na’Allah’s influence extends into higher education leadership. He served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University from 2009 to 2019, where he played a key role in developing the university’s academic framework, research culture, and institutional reputation. In 2019, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, guiding the institution until June 30, 2024. Under his leadership, both universities strengthened academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement, reflecting his vision for institutions as centers of learning and cultural preservation.
Legacy and Contribution to African Scholarship
Na’Allah’s work has solidified his reputation as a guardian of African performance traditions. His research and creative output affirm the value of African oral heritage while encouraging contemporary application and study. He demonstrates that academic scholarship and cultural preservation can coexist, producing knowledge that resonates with both scholarly audiences and local communities. By prioritizing African perspectives, Na’Allah offers innovative methods to study and celebrate indigenous performance traditions. His legacy is a testament to the power of culture, scholarship, and leadership working together to preserve heritage for future generations.
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Author’s Note
Abdulrasheed Na’Allah embodies the role of a scholar, cultural preserver, and visionary leader. From documenting Yoruba oral poetry to leading major Nigerian universities, his life illustrates the enduring importance of African performance traditions. This biography celebrates his contributions as a guardian of cultural heritage, a promoter of scholarship, and an inspiration to students, researchers, and communities. His story underscores that preserving the past is essential to enriching the present and shaping the future of African arts and education.
