UDENTA@60: A SHORT PROFILE OF PROF UDENTA O. UDENTA
By Wole Adedoyin
Professor Udenta O. Udenta is a distinguished scholar renowned for his expertise in African and comparative literature, cultural studies, and aesthetic theory. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Professor of Cultural Studies and Creative Writing while serving as the Director General of the African Writers Institute located in Abuja.
Having ascended to the role of Senior Research Fellow in African Studies and Senior Lecturer at the School of Humanities at Abia State University, Uturu in 1996, Professor Udenta O. Udenta's academic journey has been marked by notable achievements. Over the span of 2001 to 2008, he underwent specialized training in various institutions such as the University of Bradford (UK), University of Melbourne (Australia), Massey University (New Zealand), Singapore Mediation Centre, United States Institute for Peace (USIP), Inter-Governmental Agency on Development (IGAD), and the Institute of Security Studies (South Africa). These endeavors equipped him with proficiencies in conflict indicators, early warning signals, alternative dispute resolution strategies—particularly restorative justice—and post-conflict reconstruction and development modalities.
Professor Udenta O. Udenta boasts a substantial literary output comprising more than 21 authored and edited books. His influence extends to over 100 papers presented at both national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and expert gatherings. Noteworthy among his works is a comprehensive collection encompassing his formative fictional, dramatic, poetic, philosophical, and cultural creations across six volumes. His scholarly contributions span various themes, including "Crisis of Theory in Contemporary Nigerian Literature and the Possibilities of New Materialist Direction," "Revolutionary Aesthetics and the African Literary Process," and "Heroism and Critical Consciousness in African Literature," among others.
Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Udenta O. Udenta has played pivotal roles in organizations such as the Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS) as the Director of Strategy and Communications. He also serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought. In his consulting capacity, he has lent his expertise to international institutions including the World Bank, DFID, UNDP, EU Nigeria Mission, USAID, and numerous others, addressing matters ranging from culture and development to conflict mitigation strategies, democratic institution strengthening, and organizational capacity building.
Professor Udenta O. Udenta has been a prominent advocate for pro-democracy and civil rights causes in Nigeria. He was actively involved in the resistance movement against the autocratic regime of General Sani Abacha, demonstrating his commitment to democratic ideals under the banners of Eastern Mandate Union (EMU) and NADECO. His activism led to several arrests and detentions, culminating in a significant period of confinement in June 1998. Following General Abacha's demise, he was released by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and assumed the role of National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during Nigeria's transition to the Fourth Republic.
His influence reaches beyond Nigeria, as he participated in international leadership programs and addressed global audiences on political, strategic, and leadership matters. Notably, he presented before the National Leadership Councils of prominent organizations including the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), National Republican Institute (IRI), International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Washington DC in August 1999.
Professor Udenta O. Udenta hails from Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. He is married to Princess Vivian Udenta and is the proud father of two sons, Chidera and Chinweikem.