Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life and Education
Born in December 1962, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah is a distinguished Nigerian academic and University Administrator. He completed his early education in Nigeria, earning a B.A in 1988 and an M.A in Literature-in-English in 1992, both from the University of Ilorin. His M.A thesis, titled “Dadakuada: The Trends in the Development of Ilorin Traditional Oral Poetry,” was subsequently published in the Journal African Notes. Pursuing further studies abroad, he obtained a Ph.D in Comparative Literature from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, in 1999.
Academic and Administrative Career
Dr. Na’Allah began his academic career teaching African Literature, Comparative Literature, English, and Poetics in Nigeria, Canada, and the United States. He served as a professor and chair of African-American Studies at Western Illinois University, where he was also a Fulbright professor. His contributions to academia include an extensive range of scholarly papers published in refereed journals worldwide.
Leadership Roles
In 2009, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah was appointed the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria. He served in this role for ten years, implementing significant reforms and innovations. In 2019, he assumed the position of Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Abuja, in Nigeria’s capital city, starting on July 1, 2019.
Scholarly Contributions and Publications
A prolific writer, Dr. Na’Allah has authored and co-authored numerous books. His notable works include:
- Yoruba Oral Tradition in Islamic Nigeria: A History of Dadakuada (Routledge, 2019)
- Globalization, Oral Performance, and African Traditional Poetry (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018)
- African Discourse in Islam, Oral Traditions, and Performance (Routledge, 2010)
- Africanity, Islamicity, and Performativity: Identity in the House of Ilorin (Bayreuth African Studies, 2009)
- Ogoni’s Agonies: Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Crisis in Nigeria (Africa World Press, 1998).
He has also edited a poetry anthology titled Obama-Mentum: An Anthology of Transformational Poetry and has contributed to numerous academic articles and book chapters, including an entry on Kwame Anthony Appiah for The Oxford Encyclopedia of African Thought.
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Abdul-Rashed Na’Allah’s work has earned him numerous awards and honors, including:
- Exemplary Leadership in Higher Education in Africa Award by GUNi-Africa (2018)
- Hero and Icon of Good Leadership award by National Association of Nigerian Students (2017)
- African Patriot Award by Commonwealth Youth Council (2016)
- Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award by West African Students Union (2015)
- Fellow of the Literary Society of Nigeria (2014)
- Leading Light Award by the University of Ilorin Alumni Association (2013)
- Cathy O’Neill Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity, Western Illinois University (2009)
- Alberta Heritage Charles S. Noble Award for Student Leadership (1998)
Personal Life
Professor Na’Allah is married and has children. He is not only a dedicated academic and administrator but also a poet, scholar, and critical thinker whose work continues to inspire and influence the fields of African literature and cultural studies.
Professor Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah’s distinguished career as an academic, author, and university administrator highlights his commitment to advancing higher education and African studies on a global scale. His leadership at Kwara State University and the University of Abuja, along with his extensive scholarly contributions, have cemented his reputation as a significant figure in contemporary African academia.