By Adedoyin Oguntade
The Chairman of the Editorial Board at The Nation Newspaper and an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University’s (OAU) Department of History, Sam Omatseye, is set to deliver the second Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture tomorrow, Thursday, 29 January, at Oduduwa Hall.
The event, themed “How to Make a Democrat,” will be chaired by the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, and hosted by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Gbenga Fasiku, a professor, with the Vice-Chancellor, Simeon Bamire, a professor, serving as chief host.
Mr Omatseye, a renowned Nigerian journalist, columnist, poet, novelist, and playwright, will draw on his extensive experience to inspire intellectual discourse aimed at strengthening democratic values and civic engagement.
Mr Fasiku asserts that the series aims to provide an intellectual platform for the guest lecturer to share ideas on issues of great importance.
A legacy of Distinguished Alumni Lectures
According to Mr Fasiku, the Distinguished Alumni Lecture series, launched by the Faculty of Arts, seeks to strengthen ties with alumni who have excelled in their fields and contributed significantly to national development.
The inaugural lecture, delivered on 18 November 2025 by the publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi explored “AI, Social Media, and the Reconfiguration of Democratic Power in Nigeria” and highlighted the crucial interplay between media, technology, and social responsibility in shaping democracy.
Mr Omatseye’s lecture will continue this conversation, providing a platform for critical reflection on issues of national and social importance.
Welcoming the guest lecturer
The intellectual homecoming will begin today, Wednesday, 28 January, as the Department of History hosts Mr Omatseye at a private dinner in his honour ahead of the lecture tomorrow.
The lecture is set to bring together students, lecturers, writers, administrators, alumni, and social change enthusiasts to benefit from this intellectual discourse.
Mr Omatseye will also be presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award by his alma mater in recognition of his achievements and contributions to society.
