Eminent literary scholars and critics converged on the campus of Kwara State University last week to appraise the state of Nigerian literature, its challenges and opportunities to explore ways of developing the sector.

The event, which held at the Abiola Irele Seminar in Theory and Criticism, was organised by the School of Theory and Criticism of the Kwara State University, Malete.

Foremost Nigerian writer and prolific poet, Professor Abiola Irele, urged intellectuals in literature and poetry to use their wisdom and knowledge for the development of Nigeria literature.

Professor Irele, in his lecture, noted that most of the prolific, interesting and significant literatures in the world are those originating from Nigeria, pointing out that very few people are aware of this fact.

According to the renowned scholar, it is the goal of scholars to instruct and teach the students about the potentials of Nigerian literature. He said efforts should be geared towards promoting Nigerian literature and portraying its dominance over and above other countries of the world.

Professor Irele stressed the need to set the tone and dictate the terms of literature by ensuring that scholastic works are published, reviewed and taught at the Nigerian universities.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University, a Professor of English, Comparative Literature and Performance, AbdulRasheed Na'Allah, said the focus of the University is to tackle the multifaceted problems confronting Nigeria and Africa as a whole through learning and research.

Professor Na'Allah, noted that the School of Theory and Criticism was established to bring students, scholars and critical thinkers together to learn theories and Criticism by exploring it for the growth and development of Nigeria and Africa continent.

In his welcome address, the Provost, College of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Professor Sakah Mahmud, said the seminar was aimed at improve intellectual thinking, saying that as a world class university, the Institution would continue to contribute to knowledge and learning in terms of resources, seminars and research.

The Coordinator of the School, Professor Adeleke Adeeko, assured that the School would continue to attract renowned scholars across the globe to further contribute to poetry and literature and explore the available resources in Nigeria for its growth.

In his goodwill message, a renowned poet, Professor Femi Osofisan, described Professor Irele as an ambassador and bridge between French and English literature who has contributed immensely to the field.

The Seminar was attended by foremost Nigerian writers and poets, majority are Post graduate students of Professor Abiola Irele, including a foremost columnist and critic, Professor Pius Adesanmi.