The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Angela Freeman Miri on Friday, 29^th March, 2019, delivered a thought provoking keynote address at an International Conference organized by the University of Abuja in honour of a renowned Author and Literary Icon, Professor Mnguember Vicky Sylvester at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja on the theme - "Globalization, Language, Literature, Humanities and Culture.”  

In her address, Professor Miri maintained that the effect of globalization on language in turn affects the culture of the people, noting that globalization can either allow languages to spring up and dominate or cease to exist. She equally added that without a language, people will lose their geographical and cultural identity. “The core culture that differentiates and binds us as a people in a geographical area should be practised and preserved for posterity,” Professor Miri emphasized.

Similarly, a staff of Federal University Lokoja in the person of Mr. Ihionu, Paul-Maeyor of the University Library presented a paper entitled “Globalization and Preservation of Nigerian Languages and Culture.” Like other Presenters at the Conference, his paper was well received and critiqued.

Some of the Lead Paper Presenters at the Conference were Prof. Tanure Ojaide, Prof. Mary Kolawale, Prof. Gboyega Kolawole and Dr. Terhemba Shija while Prof. Michael Adikwu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja was the Chief Host.

Personalities that graced the event included the former Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Fabian Osuji, former Executive Secretary of NUC and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Federal University Lafia, Emeritus Professor Munzali Jibril as the Chairman of the occasion, and Emeritus Professor Pai Obanya of the Institute of Education, University of Ibadan as the discussant and also presented certificates to the Paper Presenters. Others were the representative of the Tor Tiv, H.R.H. Professor James Ayatse who was the Special Guest of Honour, Staff and Students of University of Abuja.

High point of the event was the launching of two book titles in honour of Professor Mnguember Vicky Sylvester: “The Cabals and the Naked Dance” as well as “SylvesterConfab Book of Proceedings”. There was also questions and answers session aside the plenary session.

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