Five years after his death, the work of Nigerian poet and dramatist John Pepper Clark remains alive enough at the University of Lagos to fill a faculty boardroom with scholars, students and family members gathered in his name.
UNILAG's Department of English marked the fifth Posthumous Anniversary of Clark with a book launch and literary tribute held at the Faculty of Arts Boardroom, bringing together academics and literary enthusiasts to reflect on his place in African literature.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mudashir Ilupeju, represented by former Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Bamiro, described Clark as a foundational figure in modern African literature whose influence on scholarship and creative writing has not diminished with time.
The centrepiece of the event was the launch of a new publication titled J.P. Clark and the Decolonisation of Colonial and Postcolonial African Modernity, edited by Hope Eghagha and Solomon Omatsola Azumurana. The book was reviewed by Dr Kayode Kofoworola, who described it as a meaningful contribution to literary studies. Dr Azumurana noted that the volume grew out of discussions at the second International Conference held in Clark's honour in 2024, and forms part of a planned 10 volume series dedicated to his works.
Professor Bose Afolayan also delivered a paper at the event paying tribute to Professor Ebun Clark for her role as the first female professor in the Faculty of Arts and in Theatre Arts in Nigeria. A spoken word performance by a student of the faculty added a creative dimension to the proceedings, while the formal unveiling of the book was carried out by Professor Bamiro alongside members of the Clark family.
Elaye Clark, speaking on behalf of the family, thanked the University for keeping his father's legacy in active academic conversation rather than allowing it to fade into ceremonial remembrance.
