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On Friday, 31 October 2025, at the distinguished grounds of Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, the prestigious Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) formally conferred its 2025 Regular Fellowship on one of Nigeria’s leading literary minds, Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan.
The ceremony was a celebration of not only his literary achievements but also his enduring leadership in literary and journalistic circles. Witnessed by fellow writers, academics and luminaries — among them the iconic Wole Soyinka — the investiture underscored the high esteem in which Professor Aliagan is held.
Professor Aliagan’s career spans creative writing, scholarship and institutional leadership. As Dean of the Kwara State University (Malete) Faculty of Information & Communication Technology, he continues to bridge academic rigour and literary creativity.
His published work in journalism and media studies — such as analyses of social and digital media, political economy of press and communication practices in Nigeria — highlights a scholar firmly rooted in the real-world impact of communication.
On the literary front, his nomination for the fellowship timely follows recognition of his decades-long service to literature, his mentorship of younger writers, and the publication of poetic and dramatic works that resonate with Nigerian and African realities.
The honour bestowed upon Professor Aliagan is richly deserved. From his early poems published in national newspapers to his stage plays and short-story collections, his creative output has demonstrated versatility and depth. His active involvement in ANA — from chapter leadership to editorial work — shows an unwavering commitment to promoting literature beyond his personal output. Through the founding and operation of a publishing outlet and his mentorship of emerging authors, he has helped widen the literary pipeline in Nigeria. His work exemplifies the fusion of scholarship and creative writing, demonstrating how the two can be mutually reinforcing, enriching the intellectual and cultural life of the nation.
The ANA Fellowship is not merely ceremonial. It signifies that a recipient has made sustained, impactful contributions to Nigerian letters. In Professor Aliagan, the association honours a figure who has influenced journalism, media studies and creative writing — domains that shape public discourse and cultural memory. The selection thus affirms that literature in Nigeria is dynamic, interconnected with media, academia and societal development.
During yesterday’s Annual General Congress of ANA, presided over by Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the President was re-elected unopposed, signalling continuity in leadership as the association embarks on its next chapter. This smooth process underlines ANA’s commitment to institutional stability even as it honours new fellows.
With his fellowship now confirmed, Professor Aliagan’s work gains an added platform of recognition. It is an invitation for the broader society — journalists, writers, academics and students alike — to engage with and be inspired by the example he sets: one of creativity, service and intellectual rigor. As Nigeria’s literary landscape evolves, his elevation reminds us that literature remains a potent force for national reflection, critique and renewal.
Congratulations to Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan — this fellowship is both a celebration of past achievement and a herald of even greater contributions ahead.
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