Teaching Philosophy in Nigeria:
Igbo Thought, Philosophical Dialogue, and Academic Mentorship
Interview with Dorothy Oluwagbemi-Jacob
Language of the Interview: English
Conducted by Abosede Ipadeola
Posted on
In this interview, Professor Dorothy Oluwagbemi-Jacob offers a concise reflection on her intellectual journey, the philosophical dimensions of Igbo culture, and the current challenges and opportunities for African philosophy.
She recounts that her entry into philosophy was unplanned: originally intending to study law or sociology, she was persuaded to choose philosophy as a pathway into university. An inspiring introductory course quickly transformed this pragmatic decision into a genuine vocation.
Discussing the relationship between African and Western philosophical traditions, she highlights their increasing dialogue and mutual engagement, while also underscoring a fundamental contrast between African communal orientations—exemplified in ideas akin to Ubuntu—and Western traditions shaped more strongly by individualism. Drawing on her Igbo background, she identifies key cultural elements with philosophical significance, including omenala (customs and norms that guide conduct and sustain social harmony), a deeply rooted ethos of communal solidarity, rich oral traditions that transmit moral and epistemic insight, and metaphysical conceptions involving the spiritual world and ancestral influence.
Prof. Oluwagbemi-Jacob also elaborates on the difficulties of teaching philosophy in Nigeria today. While African philosophy is now widely included in university curricula—unlike during her own studies—significant challenges persist: limited access to books and digital resources, low student enrollment due to perceptions of philosophy as impractical, and chronic underfunding of the humanities. To increase the visibility and acceptance of African philosophical ideas globally, she advocates for clear and accessible modes of presentation, interdisciplinary engagement (e.g., with sociology, anthropology, business ethics, and law), and the use of contemporary media formats such as podcasts and YouTube.
Finally, she stresses the crucial role of mentorship in academic life. Reflecting on her own mentor, the late Prof. Innocent C. Onyewuenyi, she emphasizes that mentors help younger scholars navigate academic structures, understand implicit professional norms, build networks, and sustain motivation. Mentorship, she argues, is indispensable for supporting early-career philosophers and strengthening the future of African philosophy.
The following questions are posed in the interview:
- Who or what motivated you to study philosophy?
- Which connections do you see between African and Western philosophy?
- Which elements of Igbo culture do you consider philosophically significant?
- What are the challenges of teaching philosophy in the African or Nigerian context today?
- How do the current challenges compare to the ones you had when you were a student?
- How can African philosophical ideas be positioned for greater acceptance in non-African contexts?
- How can we make African philosophical ideas more appealing to non-African audiences?
- Who was your philosophical mentor or role model as a young academic?
- What role do you think mentorship plays in pursuing philosophy as an academic career?