The Foundations of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola Vol. 2 captures within the borders of a single volume a wide range of themes that underline the foundations of modern Nigeria, notably nationalism, constitutional development, politics and government, economy, culture, ethnicity, and religion. A comprehensive compendium of colonial history of Nigeria, the book combines an interdisciplinary framework of analysis with critical discourse to produce a unique and fresh interpretation of colonial history.

This is the second of a two-volume festschrift to celebrate the accomplishments of Professor Toyin Falola, a distinguished Africanist. Falola has established an impressive record as a researcher and teacher, and an enduring academic legacy. From early history to the contemporary period, his contributions to Nigerian studies are broad, unique, and unparalleled. If a festschrift is to honor a retired scholar with a future already behind him, this one is to celebrate both a remarkable past and an ever-unfolding future. “Ògá” (the boss), as his students and associates call him, continues to be as productive as ever and to exercise a leadership role that has made him one of the most famous historians of our era.

While the first volume, The Transformation of Nigeria, covers the major themes of postcolonial Nigeria, this one focuses on the colonial period when the country emerged as a political unit under the tutelage of the British.

"As an intellectual, resourceful writer, and leading Africanist, Falola has produced numerous works on issues that deal with historiography, colonialism, nationalism, and the history of Nigeria, all themes covered in this impressive volume. The volume is a monumental accomplishment and a tremendous contribution to Nigerian colonial history."

—Julius Adekunle
Associate Professor of History Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey

"Toyin Falola should feel gratified indeed that Adebayo Oyebade, in honoring him, has gathered together a remarkable group of scholars to produce a volume that will leave an enduring mark on the historiography of colonial Nigeria with pointed relevance for our own time."

—Vik Bahl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ADEBAYO OYEBADE is associate professor of history at Tennessee State University. He holds a Ph.D. in history from Temple University, Philadelphia. He has coedited Africa After the Cold War: The Changing Perspectives on Security (1998), and edited The Transformation of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola (2002).

CATEGORY
Politics/AFRICA