The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, recently received a delegation from the Orpheus Literary Foundation during a courtesy visit aimed at fostering collaboration in literary development, creative writing, research, and cultural promotion.

Leading the delegation, the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Denja Y. Abdullahi, introduced the Agbaja-Plateau Writers’ Residency, a flagship initiative of the Foundation designed to provide writers, artists, and researchers with a serene environment for creative and scholarly engagements.

During the meeting, the Foundation formally sought affiliation and partnership with Federal University Lokoja to enable students and staff, particularly those in the humanities, to benefit from the opportunities offered by the Residency. The visitors emphasized that the Residency, located on the scenic Agbaja Plateau near Lokoja, was conceived as a creative retreat where writers, scholars, and researchers can undertake research, writing projects, and intellectual reflections in a tranquil environment.

According to the Foundation, the Residency is uniquely positioned to become a hub for literary excellence and academic engagement, offering participants access to an inspiring natural setting that encourages creativity, innovation, and scholarly productivity. The initiative also aims to deepen appreciation for the rich cultural, historical, and tourism potential of the Agbaja Plateau and its surrounding communities.

The delegation further highlighted the immense opportunities that a partnership with the University would create for students and staff, including exposure to national literary networks, mentorship opportunities, writers’ workshops, and interactions with resident writers from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.

Particularly noteworthy was the Foundation’s commitment to connecting students of the University with major literary bodies and platforms, including the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) at both the national and state levels. Such engagements, they noted, would broaden students’ professional networks, strengthen literary culture on campus, and provide avenues for internships, creative development, and participation in national literary programmes.

As part of the visit, the Orpheus Literary Foundation presented a collection of books authored and published through the Foundation to the Vice-Chancellor. The symbolic gesture underscored the Foundation’s dedication to promoting literature, scholarship, and intellectual discourse.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Foundation for its efforts in advancing literary and cultural development and expressed appreciation for the books presented to the University. He noted that the proposed collaboration aligns with the University’s commitment to academic excellence, research, creativity, and community engagement.

Both parties expressed optimism about future areas of cooperation and agreed to continue discussions towards establishing a mutually beneficial partnership that will enhance literary scholarship, creative expression, and research opportunities for members of the University community.

© Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation
Federal University Lokoja