Professor of History Dr. Nwando Achebe inducted into Nigerian Academy of Letters

October 2, 2024 - Patti McDonald

Nwando Achebe, the Jack and Margaret Sweet Endowed Professor History at Michigan State University, was recently inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), a prestigious recognition of her continued dedication and contribution to literature, arts, culture and history in Nigeria. Achebe is also the College of Social Science’s Associate Dean for Access, Faculty Development, and Strategic Implementation in the College of Social Science and Director of its Office of Institutional Access (OIA). 

As Nigeria’s preeminent national institution, the NAL promotes the arts and literature, operating as an independent, non-political entity dedicated to enhancing humanities scholarship and fostering public engagement across the country. 

Achebe said she is honored by this recognition, especially since her father, Chinua Achebe, author and “father” of modern African literature, was a founding member of the NAL.  

“It feels like a full circle moment,” she said. “My father was not only a founding member, in fact, he was the second member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. And now, in this golden jubilee year of the academy, I am the 377th member. This makes it all the more special, as I share this achievement with my father and know that he is smiling down on me with pride. I am truly humbled and grateful.” 

In August, Achebe traveled to Nigeria to attend the induction ceremony. She noted that being honored alongside esteemed scholars and writers filled her with a profound sense of accomplishment. 

“From the moment I arrived, there was a palpable sense of history and pride in being part of an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian and African culture. The ceremony itself was filled with rich tradition and intellectual exchange, bringing together some of the nation’s most influential scholars and writers. Standing in the University of Lagos, a hub of knowledge and cultural exchange, I was reminded of the enduring impact of institutions like this in nurturing new generations of thinkers.” 

Achebe, an award-winning historian who teaches courses on women, gender, and sexuality in Africa, added that her experience traveling to Nigeria for the ceremony inspired her and provided her with a renewed sense of purpose in preserving diverse narratives through her work. 

“It was also a personal milestone, allowing me to connect my academic work as a historian of women, gender, and sexuality in Africa with the broader context of African literature and cultural heritage,” Achebe said. “I left with a deeper sense of connection to Nigeria’s academic community and its mission of advancing knowledge across disciplines.” 

Dr. Michael Stamm, MSU Department of History chairperson and professor, emphasized Achebe’s role in enhancing the department’s global standing in African history. 

“African history has long been a signature strength in the MSU History Department, and Dr. Nwando Achebe is a central part of that. For many years, the field has been ranked in the top three programs nationally, and it is internationally recognized by scholars and intellectuals. Dr. Achebe’s induction into the Nigerian Academy of Letters is a richly deserved recognition of her prominent place in the field. This is a tremendous achievement.”