Tunde Folawiyo | The Famed Works of Novelist Chinua Achebe

The continent of Africa is home to a wide array of stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife and a range of vibrant cultures. Throughout the centuries, Africa has housed a number of inspirational figures who’ve collectively helped shape the state of the continent today. From respected political figures to famed artists and athletes of magnificent talent, these individuals are forever cemented in African history for their contributions to the advancement of Africa as a whole. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world may find the literary works of novelist Chinua Achebe to be amongst the most significant today.

Born November 16, 1930, in the Nigerian town of Ogidi, Albert Chinualumogu Achebe received his education from University of Ibadan before being appointed director of external broadcasting at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, a position he held until 1966. During this time, Achebe’s first novel, Things Fall Apart was published, becoming widely-acclaimed throughout the continent before later garnering international success. A thrilling accomplishment for the author, the book has over the years become a required read for millions of students throughout the globe.

With the 1960s came a period of brilliant creativity for Achebe. Some of his most celebrated works came during this time, with novels like No Longer at Ease, A Man of the People and Arrow of God amongst them. These works addressed a conflict between traditional African ways of life and new, colonial ways of thinking, a theme that was later explored in his Anthills of the Savannah.

The 1970s saw great success for Achebe. He published a variety of short stories, poetry collections and a children’s book throughout the decade, with his first book of essay’s released in 1975. Upon his return to Nigeria from the US, Achebe became employed as a research fellow before later becoming an English professor at University of Nigeria from 1976 to 81. During this time, Achebe served as a director for two Nigerian publishing companies, Nwankwo-Ifejika Ltd. and Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.

After suffering a car accident that would render him paralyzed, Achebe moved to the US. He began teaching at Bard College where he would remain for 15 years. During 2009, Achebe he departed Bard to join Brown University’s faculty as a professor of African studies. Throughout his career, Achebe received many renowned awards and several honourary degrees from over 30 universities across the globe, demonstrating the vast cultural significance of his works. Citizens of Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and many other lovers of literature throughout the world may continue to be inspired Achebe’s life and legacy.