Prof. Nduka Otiono delivered a powerful seminar on youth agency, post-colonialism and creative writing at Daystar University’s Nairobi Campus on 26 June 2025
On 26 June 2025, Prof. Nduka Otiono, a celebrated Nigerian Canadian creative writer and scholar, led a thought-provoking seminar at Daystar University’s Nairobi Campus.
His talk centred on post-colonialism, youth agency and the role of creative writing in shaping African narratives.
The event brought together passionate Communication students enrolled in the Audio Production course. It was hosted by Dr Lydia Radoli, Associate Dean for the School of Communication, and Prof Wandia Njoya, Associate Professor in the Department of Language and Performing Arts.
Prof. Otiono, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa, was introduced by Ms Wairimu Gitau, an adjunct lecturer and Carleton alumnus.
With over a dozen published works and accolades including the 2023 FASS Research Excellence Award, Prof. Otiono shared insights from both his academic and journalistic journeys.
He began by redefining the role of oral history, describing it as “the stories that the streets tell us,” contrasting this with conventional news which he called “history in a hurry.”
His reflections struck a chord with students exploring narrative forms behind the recent Gen Z-led protests across Africa.
“Writing is about rewriting the narrative,” Prof. Otiono explained. “There is no perfect way of writing but to keep perfecting your writing.”
He revisited Nigeria’s turbulent history under military dictator Sani Abacha and reflected on the execution of the Ogoni Nine, including environmentalist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa. These stories served as a cautionary tale on the dangers of unaccountable leadership.
He cited Burkina Faso’s young President Ibrahim Traoré as a modern figure of youth-driven political agency. Traoré’s rise and pan-African alliances reveal how young leaders can shift power structures inherited from colonial rule.
Prof. Otiono stressed that African youth must learn to wield words responsibly. He encouraged students to research what he called the continent’s “political youthquake”—a cultural shift led by young people demanding change.
He pointed to past movements like #FeesMustFall in South Africa and #EndSARS in Nigeria. These hashtags, he said, represent the power of storytelling in amplifying youth voices and influencing societal change.
“Writing is a form of therapy,” he said, reflecting on his early days writing letters to newspaper editors in Nigeria. “It’s a way to remain sane and to express what society needs to hear.”
Students left inspired and energised by the powerful mix of storytelling, political awareness and the urgency of writing. Prof. Otiono’s message was clear: African youth have the power to rewrite history, one word at a time.
He is scheduled to return for the 4th Annual Conference of Daystar University from 13 to 15 August 2025, hosted by the School of Communication.
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