The anticipation became a reality, as the globally celebrated scholar of African art, Professor Henry John Drewal, accompanied by Prof. Fernanda Villaroel Lamoza and Mr. Adeju Thompson (artist) professional colleague, stepped his feet on Afrogram’s soil at precisely 10:24 AM, Wednesday, the 10th, December 2025.
The Professor truly made an extraordinary reunion, returning to the Afrograms community 21,535 days—nearly six decades—after his initial departure from the school in 1966.
His visit is not an academic event; it is a profound homecoming! No wonder, at the Afrograms Lagos branch end-of-year party, he was christened “Omobowale”, and when he visited the school, he was proudly welcomed as he returned to the foundational ideas of his original, groundbreaking work, where he would be linking a distinguished past with a promising future before starting his next book!
The moment he stepped onto the Afrograms’ soil, his visit immediately transformed into a powerful engagement inside the Principal’s office.
Professor Drewal toured the grounds, shared reflective thoughts, and spoke passionately about the enduring value of African identity. He powerfully underscored the importance of preserving and celebrating our African heritage, highlighting the richness and diversity of African art and culture. Above all, he urged everyone to appreciate and take pride in our cultural identity, emphasizing its significance in shaping our lives and communities.
He occasionally asked questions, and the group would respond, after which he continued to share his insights and admonish us to value our culture. He also made mention of the books he has written on African culture, like Gelede, Egungun, etc.
The conversation was engaging and inspiring, with Professor Drewal’s passion and knowledge evident throughout. He shared stories and examples of African art, music, and traditions, bringing to life the vibrant colors, rhythms, and textures of African culture.
Prof. Henry Calls for Action: Embrace and Focus on the African Cultural Renaissance
Prof. Henry, in his profound wisdom, challenges students and listeners to embark on a journey of cultural rediscovery and creative expression by igniting, creating, and focusing on the feelings for the next chapter of African Cultural narratives.
He emphasized that these can be achieved using the Four Pillars for an African Cultural Renaissance.–Read. Engage. Document. Express
- To focus on the deepening of your Knowledge Base: Read books and articles on African art, history, and philosophies. Let the rich narratives of our past inform and inspire your present.
- Foster Active Engagement: Engage with African artists and cultural practitioners by building bridges with the living tradition. Actively seek out and engage with contemporary African artists, master craftspeople, and cultural practitioners. Learn directly from those who are shaping and preserving our heritage today, allowing their insights to fuel your own creative fire.
- Become Cultural Stewards: Document and preserve our own cultural traditions and take ownership of our legacy. Dedicate efforts to meticulously document, preserve, and celebrate our unique, local cultural traditions, languages, and intangible heritage. We are the custodians of these treasures for future generations.
- Cultivate Creative Expression: Explore our own cultural heritage and find ways to express our unique perspectives and experiences through art, music, and other creative means
He concluded that it is the primary responsibility of everyone to ensure that the essence of African creation flows through their creation.
In essence, Prof. Henry is calling for a generation of informed scholars, active participants, careful custodians, and fearless creators of African culture
Overall, Professor Drewal’s visit was a valuable experience, and his words of wisdom will undoubtedly resonate with us for a long time. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and inspired us to continue exploring and celebrating our rich and diverse African heritage.
Professor Henry John Drewal, a renowned art historian and expert on African art. He was once a French and English teacher and also the games master at African Church Grammar School.
Professor Oyegunle, a renowned French linguistic expert, and Dr. Soaga, the esteemed National Secretary who represented the President of the Old Students Association, graced the occasion, their presence as accomplished alumni emphasizing the enduring legacy and pride the school instills in its former students.
Their movement around and with our August visitor revealed that diligence is the action that moves things forward.
Reporter
OLUWADARASIMI RACHAEL OGUNLANA
VICE PRESIDENT
AFRONEWS PRESS
Congratulations
Thank you for all you done
Congratulations
Congratulations
Wow very nice