LASU Philosophy Department Calls for Redefinition of African Thought in Knowledge Production

The Department of Philosophy, Lagos State University, held its 2025 Departmental Lecture Series on Friday, 5th December 2025, at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education. The well-attended programme brought together staff, students, and scholars from across the Faculty of Arts to interrogate the theme: “Contemporary African Philosophy and the Knowledge Production Ecosystem in Africa.”

In her welcome remarks, the Head of Department, Dr Philomena Ojomo, reaffirmed the department’s dedication to sustaining a culture of scholarship. She described the lecture series as a legacy of intellectual engagement that continually enriches the university’s academic community. “Today’s dialogue allows us to interrogate ideas, deepen our research culture, and strengthen the bonds within our intellectual community,” she said.

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Ayo Ayodele, noted that the theme was timely, given the ongoing reshaping of knowledge systems across the continent. He expressed confidence that the discussions would “deepen collective understanding and inspire new pathways for scholarship, policy and practice.”

The Guest Lecturer, Professor Adeshina Afolayan, delivered a thought-provoking address that formed the intellectual core of the event. Professor Afolayan, a Professor of Philosophy from the University of Ibadan, argued that African philosophy must first redefine itself before it can meaningfully contribute to the continent’s knowledge production ecosystem. According to him, colonialism disrupted Africa’s intellectual identity, resulting in a system overly dependent on Western categories of thought.

Professor Afolayan explained that reclaiming African knowledge requires a philosophy that recognises indigenous wisdom, embraces interdisciplinarity, and centres the lived experiences of Africans. This, he said, is essential for “rehumanising” African societies and empowering students to see themselves as active contributors to knowledge creation and capable of living full, purposeful lives.

The lecture ended with an engaging question-and-answer session, reinforcing the department’s commitment to fostering critical inquiry and advancing African scholarship.

In his brief remarks after the lecture, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and Professor of Philosophy, Professor Oseni Afisi, emphasised the need for an inclusive approach to decolonisation, one that appreciates valuable contributions from both African and Western traditions. He urged scholars to “look inward” while remaining open to global ideas that support Africa’s intellectual growth.

He congratulated the department for organising the event, while extolling the HoD, Dr Ojomo whose tenure is winding down, for successfully steering the department in the right direction over the last few years.