About

Dr. Akin Alao

Dr. Alao is a scholar in Yoruba studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (formerly University of Ife), one of Africa's leading universities committed to the teaching and promotions of African history and culture. Akin Alao is concerned with the relationship among culture, identity, social organization, continuity and change. His research on the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria examines the remarkable achievements of the Yoruba in Africa, the dynamism and resilience of an African culture that resisted mental and spiritual colonization in spite of exposure to the influences of two of the world's leading religions, Islam and Christianity.

He believes that the greateest tragedy that can befall a person or a race is the loss of their cultural identity. The force, spiritual or ideological, empowering Yoruba culture that keeps it going is, indeed, worthy of academic investigation.

Dr. Alao will be with the Center for African and African American Studies for two years, teaching the Yoruba language, history and culture, and participating in all activities to enhance the collective image of the African Diaspora.