- Scholars, Traditional Rulers, Cultural Icons, and Public Leaders to Gather in Honour of Global Art Legend
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the University Senior Staff Club, will on Wednesday July 1, 2026 unveil the landmark book: El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 and Counting.
Professor Anatsui is a Ghanaian-born artist who lived and worked in Nsukka for forty-seven years and from that modest university town rose to become arguably the most influential Black visual artist of the contemporary era.
The historic event will hold at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The book, a monumental 411-page compendium edited by Associate Professor Greg Mbajiorgu and Chikaogwu Kanu, celebrates the extraordinary life, scholarship, humanity, and artistic genius of Emeritus Professor El Anatsui.
According to a statement by Associate Professor Greg Mbajiorgu, Lead Editor and Member, El Anatsui Book Unveiling Planning Committee, “More than a book launch, the event represents a celebration of a remarkable global phenomenon. From his creative base in Nsukka, El Anatsui transformed discarded materials into masterpieces that now adorn the world’s most prestigious museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. His artistic innovations have earned him international acclaim, culminating in his recognition as the greatest black African artist on earth and his elevation as one of Times International’s100 Most Influential Men in the World.
“Indeed, few individuals have done more to project the name of Nsukka onto the global cultural map than El Anatsui. Through his work, the town has become a destination for scholars, artists, researchers, curators, collectors, and tourists from across the world. His story demonstrates how creativity can transform geography into destiny and how a university town can become a global cultural landmark.
“The event will feature a comprehensive review of the book by renowned linguist, literary scholar, newspaper columnist, and public affairs analyst, Professor Chris Uchenna Agbedo, whose review is expected to provide penetrating insights into the significance of the volume as a cultural archive, intellectual monument, and historical document.
“The unveiling ceremony will bring together an impressive constellation of distinguished personalities from academia, government, traditional institutions, the arts, and the media. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, will serve as the Chief Host, while the President of the University Senior Staff Club, Professor Chukwudi Nnamchi, will host the event. The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Lazarus Ogenyi, will serve as Co-Host. Presiding over the ceremony as Chairman of the Occasion is the revered traditional ruler, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, Obi of Onitsha, whose enduring commitment to culture, scholarship, and nation-building continues to inspire generations.
“Among the eminent personalities expected as Special Guests of Honour are Rt. Hon. Chidi Obeta, Member, House of Representatives; Justice Professor Peter Umeadi; Dr. Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja; Dr. Mrs. Virgy Anohu (Adadioramma); HRH Igwe George Asadu (Okpudo, Ihe n’Owerre); HRH Eze Ifeanyi Ekeh (Udumeze III of Lokpanta) and Chief Loretta Aniagolu, Director FIT Consult Group of Companies.
“The volume itself is unprecedented in scope and ambition. Featuring contributions from over one hundred distinguished scholars, artists, intellectuals, administrators, journalists, traditional rulers, Scientists and cultural practitioners from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, South Africa, Europe, and North America, the book stands as one of the most comprehensive tributes ever dedicated to an African artist. Its contributors include eminent academics, serving and former university administrators, internationally acclaimed artists, literary figures, historians, linguists, musicologists, philosophers, journalists, and cultural commentators. The collection captures not only the artistic achievements of El Anatsui but also his influence as mentor, teacher, intellectual, philanthropist, institution-builder, and global cultural icon.
“The significance of this publication extends far beyond the celebration of an individual. It is simultaneously a documentation of the intellectual history of the University of Nigeria, a chronicle of the emergence of the Nsukka School of Art, and a testimony to Africa’s growing contribution to global artistic discourse. As Emeritus Professor El Anatsui continues to inspire generations at the age of eighty-two, this unveiling offers a rare opportunity for the people of Nsukka, the University community, the nation, and the international cultural fraternity to collectively honour a man whose life and work have expanded the possibilities of African creativity.
“The organizers therefore invite all lovers of art, culture, scholarship, and human excellence to participate in this historic occasion and join in celebrating a figure whose legacy has transcended borders, disciplines, and generations.”