Oculi’s Ideas Remain Highly Relevant to Africa’s Quest for Unity and Development — Dr. Khadijah Gumbi
By Idris Umar, Zaria
A scholar from Bayero University Kano, Dr. Khadijah Sunusi Gumbi, has said that the intellectual legacy and ideas of the late Professor Okello Oculi remain highly relevant to Africa’s quest for unity, cultural renaissance and sustainable development.
Dr. Gumbi made the submission while presenting a paper titled “The Diplomatic Legacy of Professor Okello Oculi” at a programme held at the CBN Centre of Excellence, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The programme was organised to commemorate the contributions of the late Professor Okello Oculi, particularly in the areas of intellectual development, diplomacy, Pan-Africanism and African development.
Dr. Gumbi has also authored a special book to preserve and document Professor Oculi’s contributions to Nigeria and Africa as a whole, ensuring that his ideas and intellectual contributions remain relevant beyond his lifetime.
According to her, Oculi was not only an academic but also an “intellectual diplomat” whose writings and commitment to promoting Pan-Africanism provided important perspectives on Africa’s position within the international community.
She explained that Oculi demonstrated how education, culture, history and intellectual thought could serve as important instruments of diplomacy and influence, particularly at a time when African countries continue to seek greater unity and a stronger collective voice in global affairs.
Dr. Gumbi said the book presented during the programme examined the diplomatic dimensions of Oculi’s works, with particular emphasis on education, Pan-Africanism and soft power—the ability to influence others through culture, education, ideas and intellectual engagement rather than force.
She noted that Oculi’s advocacy for the revival of African culture was rooted in his belief that Africans could strengthen their unity and influence in the world by valuing their history, culture and intellectual resources.
She stressed that preserving Oculi’s ideas in books and academic discussions alone was not enough, urging scholars, young people and policymakers to explore practical ways of applying his intellectual contributions to address the challenges facing Africa today.
She said, “The relevance of Oculi’s ideas goes beyond history,” stressing the need to translate his intellectual legacy into practical actions that would contribute to the development of a united and self-reliant Africa.
Dr. Gumbi added that the book was published to preserve Oculi’s contributions and ensure that his ideas remain accessible to present and future generations, particularly African youths searching for new ways of thinking about the future of the continent.
AUSC Calls for Revival of Legacy of African Leaders
In his remarks, the President of the African Union Student Club (AUSC), Comrade Ahmad Shuibu, commended the organisers of the programme and called for greater support for initiatives aimed at promoting the positive legacies and contributions of past African leaders and intellectuals.
Comrade Shuibu said there was a need for young people to learn from the contributions of prominent Africans who had played significant roles in the development of Nigeria and the continent.
He cited the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, Dr. Bala Usman, the late Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, Professor Abdullahi Mahadi and other prominent scholars and leaders who contributed to the development of society.
He urged young people to draw inspiration from the positive ideas and contributions of these personalities and use them as a foundation for building a better Nigeria and Africa.
Comrade Shuibu also prayed for the safe return of all participants after the programme.
AUSC Honours Contributors
At the end of the programme, the African Union Student Club honoured some individuals who contributed to the success of the event.
Among those honoured were Alhaji Isa Muhammad Abass, one of the presenters at the programme; the wife of the late Professor Okello Oculi; and the President of the African Union Student Club, Comrade Ahmad Shuibu.
The programme was attended by academics, students and other stakeholders who discussed Oculi’s contribution to Pan-African thought and explored ways of ensuring that his ideas remain relevant to contemporary Africa.
Participants agreed that the most appropriate way to honour Oculi’s legacy was not only to continue remembering his works, but also to study his ideas and translate them into practical initiatives capable of contributing to the development of a united, self-reliant, confident and influential Africa.
The programme ended peacefully, with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate the intellectual legacy of the late Professor Okello Oculi.
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