Dr Abba A. Abba Shines at the British Academy’s "Achebe Redivivus" Conference in Oxford
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In a remarkable showcase of scholarly excellence, Dr Abba A. Abba, a distinguished lecturer from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Federal University Lokoja, recently participated in the prestigious Achebe Redivivus conference held on July 3–4, 2025, at All Souls College, University of Oxford. Organised by the British Academy in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and All Souls College, this two-day event brought together global scholars to explore and reinvigorate the literary and political legacy of Chinua Achebe, widely regarded as the father of modern African literature.
The Achebe Redivivus conference convened world-leading academics and emerging scholars in fields ranging from anthropology and African literature to history and politics. The event aimed to re-situate Achebe within the global literary canon, emphasising his aesthetic and intellectual contributions to postcolonial literature. Dr Abba, a noted expert in Biafran identity and secessionist discourse, was among the distinguished speakers, including luminaries like Stephanie Newell (Yale University), Obi Nwakanma (Central University of Florida), and conference convenor Terri Ochiagha (University of Edinburgh/University of Oxford).
Dr. Abba’s participation in the conference aligns seamlessly with his ongoing research, particularly his British Academy-funded project, “Documenting Trauma: Reclaiming Unpublished Biafran Voices in the Heinemann African Writers Series Archive.” His work interrogates the archival evidence of Heinemann’s publishing practices during the Nigeria-Biafra War (1967–70), focusing on how Biafran voices were marginalised and politicised. Through the analysis of unpublished materials and correspondences, Dr. Abba seeks to amplify suppressed narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on the war’s cultural and literary impact.
At the conference, Dr. Abba likely shared insights from this research, contributing to discussions on Achebe’s role in shaping African literary discourse. His expertise in Nigeria-Biafra war literature, evidenced by his AHP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021–2022) and DAAD-funded research at Humboldt University (2018), positioned him as a key voice in re-examining Achebe’s legacy through the lens of postcolonial trauma and resistance.
Dr Abba’s academic journey is marked by accolades, including the 2019 NLNG Prize for Literary Criticism and the ANA/Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism for his incisive analyses of African literature. As the corresponding editor of “Critical Engagements in African Literature: An Offering to Isidore Diala” (2019) and author of creative works like The Ugly Queen (2002) and The Blood Price (2018), Dr. Abba continues to shape the field through both scholarship and creativity. His role as a former University Orator and Head of Department at Edwin Clark University further attests to his leadership in academia.
The Achebe Redivivus conference not only celebrated Chinua Achebe’s enduring legacy but also set the stage for future scholarship in African literature. Dr. Abba’s contributions at this event highlight the critical role of Nigerian scholars in global academic conversations. As he continues his research, we anticipate further groundbreaking insights that will enrich our understanding of postcolonial narratives and the Nigeria-Biafra war’s lasting impact.
For more details on the conference, visit the British Academy’s event page or contact the British Academy. To explore Dr. Abba's work, visit his profile on the Federal University Lokoja website
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