Scholars and associates of Nigerian author Dr. Bukar Usman have come together to honor him with two new books, Literature, Orature and Language: Academic Articles in Honour of Bukar Usman and In the Eyes of the Public: Appraisals in Honour of Bukar Usman, Vol. II. The books were published in 2026 by the Northern Nigerian Writers Summit under the NNWS Book Series. Dr. Usman, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, was celebrated on his 81st birthday two years ago with a commemoration event.
The commemoration event, organized by the Northern Nigeria Writers' Summit (NNWS), saw over 500 persons from various walks of life respond with write-ups, which were later categorized into three volumes. The first two volumes, published in English, contain essays and appraisals from scholars, literary critics, and cultural thinkers. The third volume, still in press, is in Hausa and titled Madubin Basira: Tunanin Masana kan Bukar Usman da Ayyukansa.
The first book, Literature, Orature and Language: Academic Essays in Honour of Bukar Usman, is a 843-page book edited by Professor Idris Amali, Prof Asabe Kabir, Saleh Abdu, Prof Bashir Abu Sabe, and Isma'il Bala. It features essays on literature, orature, and language, written by scholars from Nigeria and beyond. The book is divided into three parts, with part one containing essays on Dr. Usman's writings and those of other Nigerian writers.
The Foreword to both books was written by Lt Gen TY Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin. He describes the books as a testament to Dr. Usman's intellectual curiosity and contributions to literature and culture. Buratai believes that the volumes celebrate the values embodied by Dr. Usman, including intellectual rigour, cultural pride, selfless service, and humanity.
Unlike the first book, which features omnibus essays on multiple writers, the second volume, In the Eyes of the Public: Appraisals in Honour of Bukar Usman, Vol. II, is solely dedicated to Dr. Usman. The book assembles voices from academics, literary critics, and cultural thinkers, reflecting on the themes, values, and esthetics that define Dr. Usman's body of work.
As part of the Bukar Usman Foundation's efforts to promote reading culture in Nigeria, many copies of the new books were freely given to delegates who attended the 2026 ANA Convention held at Mamman Vatsa Writers' Village, Abuja. The books are published in both hardcopy and paperback editions.
The publication of these two books marks a significant milestone in celebrating Dr. Bukar Usman's contributions to literature and culture. The books serve as a tribute to his intellectual legacy and a testament to the impact he has had on the literary community.
Key points
- The two new books, Literature, Orature and Language: Academic Articles in Honour of Bukar Usman and In the Eyes of the Public: Appraisals in Honour of Bukar Usman, Vol. II, were published in 2026 by the Northern Nigerian Writers Summit.
- The books were edited by prominent scholars, including Professor Idris Amali, Prof Asabe Kabir, and others.
- The publication of the books aims to promote reading culture in Nigeria and celebrate Dr. Bukar Usman's contributions to literature and culture.
