McPherson University Hosts NASELS Ogun State Conference and Inter-Chapter Debate

McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, on Tuesday, 3 June 2026, played host to the Ogun State Conference and Preliminary Inter-Chapter Debate of the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS), bringing together students, academics, and literary scholars for an intensive academic engagement.

The conference, themed “Poetics: Language and Literature in 21st-Century Africa,” provided a platform for intellectual exchange, critical discourse, and competitive debate among tertiary institutions across the state.

Declaring the event open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis A. Igbasan, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Nwoko, emphasized the importance of sustaining academic-driven engagements that promote critical thinking and intellectual discipline among students. He noted that universities must remain central to shaping informed discourse, especially in an era increasingly dominated by non-academic content on digital platforms.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting academic programmes that foster scholarship, healthy competition, and intellectual development, while commending the Department of English and Literary Studies for its consistent academic excellence.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Olusoga O. Ayinde, who examined the evolution of African poetics in the 21st century. He highlighted how contemporary African writers blend oral traditions with modern literary techniques to address socio-political realities such as corruption, migration, identity struggles, gender inequality, insecurity, and environmental concerns. He also underscored the growing influence of digital media, multilingual expression, and performance literature in reshaping African literary identity.

In her welcome address, the Ogun State Coordinator of NASELS, Miss Pleasant Nneoma Stephen, described the conference as a strategic platform for academic interaction, debate, and networking among students of English and Literary Studies. She expressed appreciation to McPherson University management for its support in hosting the event, as well as contributions from regional and national leadership structures of the association.

The President of the NASELS McPherson University Chapter, Miss Jegede Damilola, in her remarks, highlighted the evolving role of language and literature in reflecting African realities. She noted that African writers continue to adapt language creatively to express cultural identity and drive social transformation.

A key highlight of the conference was the Preliminary Inter-Chapter Debate between McPherson University and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), which showcased strong analytical reasoning, eloquence, and intellectual engagement from participating students.

The event concluded with renewed emphasis on strengthening academic collaboration, promoting literary scholarship, and encouraging sustained intellectual engagement among students across tertiary institutions in Ogun State.