Bolanle Awe

Bolanle Awe (Yoruba: Bọ́láńlé (Fájẹ́m̄bọ̀là) Awẹ́) is a highly distinguished Nigerian historian, academic, and a pioneer of Nigerian women's history and oral history methods. She is widely regarded as an intellectual hero in Nigeria for her significant contributions to academia and public service.Early Life and Education Bolanle Fajembola was born on January 28, 1933, in Ilesa, Colonial Nigeria, to Samuel Akindeji Fajembola and Mosebolatan Abede. Her mother, a teacher, was a member of the Abede family, a branch of the Royal House of Bilayirere in Ilesa. Awe attended Perse School, an independent school in Cambridge, England. She continued her education at St Andrews University, followed by Somerville College, Oxford, where she conducted advanced historical studies.Career and Major Achievements Professor Awe's academic career was centered around the history of Nigeria, specializing in the Yoruba people and pioneering the field of Nigerian women's history. She rose to prominence as a Professor of History at the University of Ibadan, where she made substantial contributions to African historical scholarship and the decolonization of history curricula. She is known for pioneering the use of oral history as a methodology in Nigerian historical research, which helped foreground previously marginalized perspectives, especially those of women. Her work has been instrumental in the development of feminist and intersectional thought within African history. Beyond her academic role, Professor Awe has held significant positions in public service. From 1990 to 1992, she served as the inaugural chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), a key federal government body established to empower women in Nigeria. She also served as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.Notable Works and Legacy Professor Awe's notable works focus on the cultural, social, and political history of Nigerian women. Her scholarship has challenged traditional, male-dominated narratives, establishing a foundation for subsequent generations of Africanist feminist historians. Her research has extensively documented the lives and societal roles of women in Yoruba and wider Nigerian society, particularly in pre-colonial and colonial contexts.Current Status Professor Bolanle Awe is an eminent, retired academic who continues to be recognized for her enduring impact on historical studies and gender advocacy in Nigeria. She married Olumuyiwa Awe on Christmas Day, 1960; he passed away in 2015.